Walks from Minster

A fairly easy walk through fields and a concrete footpath past an industrial estate and with some heavy-traffic road sections near Margate that have pavements. The field path at Garlinge can be inaccessible in late summer when there is a crop down. Look out for the Gatehouse at Dent-de-Lion from the path. The route officially ends at the church, a short walk from Minster station.

Time: 2h–4h30

Warnings: A short section along Minster Road onto Shottendane Road has no pavement; the field edge is rough and walkable, but do not walk on the road itself as drivers speed along it. Crossing Minster Road can be scary at rush hour.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 5h30–11h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Some beautiful areas, very pretty. An almost entirely flat, off-road route following the River Stour and the Stour Valley Walk on well-trodden, well-maintained paths, much of it through reclaimed land and a nature reserve. Some parts are overgrown with nettles and the riverside path beyond Plucks Gutter requires pushing through. Much of the route follows the River Stour and the Stour Valley Walk, passing through the Stodmarsh nature reserve; some gates there are not suitable for bikes. Rail service back to Canterbury from Minster.

Time: 6h–11h30

Warnings: Some sections are overgrown with nettles, so trousers are recommended. Ensure you cross to the north side of the river at Plucks Gutter, as there is no crossing point at Minster.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Gorgeous views across the bay. A flat route with a good deal of walking beside or close to busy roads and passing through Pegwell Bay Country Park with its reedbeds and small lakes. Passes through Pegwell Bay Country Park, which has reedbeds and small lakes. Cafes and public toilets at the country park car park.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: A few cafes and public toilets at the Pegwell Bay Country Park car park.

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a fifth of the walk. There is no pavement on Jutes Lane and it runs close to the busy A256; this route involves a lot of walking beside or near busy roads.

Walk details: Slow Ways.