Plan your trip

WALK HERE

Turn to Walks 5 & 6 at the back of this issue for two linear day-walks covering the last 24 miles of the High Weald Landscape Trail from Cranbrook to Rye, with a bus ride from end to start each day. We recommend staying a night (or two) midway in Tenterden.

GETTING THERE

If you’re driving, park up in Tenterden and catch the 297 bus from the High Street to Cranbrook (hamstravel.com). Tenterden is 25 minutes’ drive from junction 9 of the M20 via the A28. For the second day of the trail, park in Rye and take the 312 bus from the station back to Tenterden (stagecoachbus.com). Getting to Cranbrook by public transport, you could travel down by train to Rye (then catch both buses in succession). Alternatively, hop aboard the number 5 from Staplehurst Station (arrivabus. co.uk) or the 297 from Tunbridge Wells.

WHERE TO STAY

A cosy bolthole on the outskirts of Tenterden, Little Isemonger Studio boasts use of a private summerhouse and garden with views across the Weald. This converted barn sleeps two and is located 15 minutes’ walk from pubs and restaurants on the High Street. Enjoy a twonight stay for around £411 (01227 809182; kentand sussexcottages.co.uk). You could make the most of a stay here with a ride on the Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway down to the National Trust’s Bodiam Castle. Smallhythe Place and Chapel Down Vineyard are a ten-minute drive away. If you prefer a traditional inn, there’s the 16th-century White Lion on the High Street. B&B for two sharing a deluxe double or twin room costs from £110pn (01580 765077, whiteliontenterden.com)

WHERE TO EAT

You can pick up picnic supplies in Cranbrook or Tenterden for day one, or grab a light bite midwalk in The Bull at Benenden. Chestnut, apple & beetroot salad with skinny fries will set you back £13.50 (01580 240054; thebullatbenenden.co. uk). There’s also a village shop and cafe, with options further on in Rolvenden. Between Tenterden and Rye, you could refuel with something hearty at the Oxney Gourmet Pie & Burger Bar in Wittersham (01797 270913) or save your appetite for a pub lunch in Peasmarsh at The Cock Inn or Horse & Cart.

i MORE INFORMATION

Find everything you need to know about walking the High Weald Landscape Trail at bit.ly/highwealdlandscapetrail. If you’re planning a longer break or walking more or all of this 90-mile trail, you’ll discover excellent eateries and great places to stay at visitkent.co.uk