insideKENT Magazine Issue 46 - January 2016 | Page 97

Continue over the mound and along the
path which follows the line of ancient oaks
on your left; catch a glimpse of the looming
North Downs in the distance as you make
your way through the lush green fields.
Following the path through the fields, you
will wander through a charming wooded
area; emerge through this shaded retreat
to ascend steps and go through the gate
beyond. As you amble through this tranquil
landscape look out for the famed marsh
frog, also known as the laughing frog due
to its croaking laugh. The frog is found
throughout the Romney Marsh and
supposedly made its conquest of this area
from just 12 Hungarian frogs introduced to
a garden pond in Stone-in-Oxney in 1932.
Having reached the road, turn left and walk
along before turning into a field on your
right, wander through the field until you
reach the delightful St Mary’s Church
nestled among the fields. Turn right and
continue to follow the way-marked footpath
through the fields, enjoying stunning views
of the marshes ahead, and into the road,
where you will turn left and then right shortly
before the bridge.
Wind your way along the Royal Military
Canal Path; the 28-mile-long canal was
built in 1809 as a defence against Napoleon,
yet was never used for this purpose. Today
it sustains the marshes as an essential part

of the drainage system which maintains the
unique wetland that wildlife and grazing
sheep flourish on. As you follow the snaking
bank of this picturesque waterway, look
out for visiting grey heron, mute swans,
kingfishers and moorhens.
Along the Royal Military Road you will catch
a glimpse into this area’s past on the front
line of the Second World War. Look out for
the pillbox along the bank of the canal, a
reminder of the part the canal was once
again expected to play in the defence of
this area. In 1935 the canal was
commandeered by the War Department
and pillboxes like this one studded its banks,
yet once again the canal’s potential to ward
off invasion was never realised.
Cross the bridge and go through the gate
on your right and then follow the path back
towards beautiful Appledore. Take the time
to visit the church in the High Street and
view the ancient structure, parts of which
can be dated back to the 12th century.
You might even find some local produce
for sale which is well worth the purchase!
Enrich your walk by whiling away an hour
or two delving through the treasures of the
Old Forge Antiques shop. Or perhaps just
relax at the tea room a short way up the
high street, savouring one of their
homemade cakes and a well-earned cup
of tea.

Location: Appledore (TN26 2BU)
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Time: Allow 3 hours
OS Explorer Map: 125
Gates: 9
Stiles: 2
Terrain:
Grassy paths and tracks across fields
Parking: Limited on-road parking in
Appledore; off-road parking is available at
the village hall halfway up the main street.
Refreshments & Facilities: Public toilets
at the recreation ground; pub and
restaurants in the village for refreshments.
Difficulty: This walk is mostly flat with
some gentle slopes, stiles and gates.

For more information about fantastic days out in Kent visit the Explore Kent website
at www.explorekent.org. Or show what a great day out you had in the Kentish
countryside and post a selfie on Facebook or Twitter @ExploreKent.

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