Walks from Marden

A low-lying route through orchard country on field paths and lanes that can be very wet and waterlogged, with the route line systematically offset south of the actual paths. Several broken stiles, arable fields where the path is not reinstated, gates and sheep and traditional apple orchards. Passes Staplehurst Parish Church and a WW2 memorial to USA and Canadian airmen at the old Advanced Landing Ground site near Chickenden Farm.

Time: 3h–6h

Warnings: Some field paths are unrestored across large arable fields - good mapping is needed to hold a line. Several broken stiles; one path may be blocked at its western end (a lane detour works). Very wet underfoot. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A route for confident walkers mixing pavement and path walking, dropping into the Loose valley on the Loose Greenway and climbing back out, then through fruit farms on overgrown, hard-to-follow paths, over field paths that get overgrown with brambles in summer. Not direct and with drops and climbs and a river crossing. Follows the Loose Greenway through Loose village. Can be walked in two sections, breaking at Linton.

Time: 4h30–9h

Warnings: The route is difficult to follow between Linton and Marden, with overgrown paths through fruit farms and unclear markings in mid-summer; walkers have lost the route after crossing the Beult river and had to road-walk. Not suitable for beginners.

Walk details: Slow Ways.