West Kent – Goudhurst from Cranbrook

Event Details

  • Start Date Sunday, 1st of August 2021
  • End Date Sunday, 1st of August 2021
  • Start/End Time 11:00 - 16:30
  • Near Cranbrook, Kent
  • Categories
  • Groups
  • Approx Distance 10 Miles
  • TerrainThis walk includes a long, gentle climb up to Goudhurst village on well-maintained paths. There are no steep climbs.

A walk through the ancient woodland and iconic Wealden landscape leads to the picturesque village of Goudhurst, standing on a ridge affording glorious views, north and south. The village has plenty of character, featuring the 12th century St Mary's church, and rows of weavers' cottages, built using local tile and stone from an industry that made the village prosperous in the 14th century. Iron was another local industry that was important to Goudhurst. It flourished from Tudor times until production moved to the Midlands.  St Marys Church was dedicated in 1119, although it is likely that a church has occupied the site since Saxon times. In 1637, the church spire was struck by lightning and burnt down. Inside there are some interesting features, and anyone who recalls Thomas Hardy's Mellstock Quire can look for the singing gallery built in 1769.

This ten-mile walk follows the High Weald Landscape Trial and includes a long, gentle climb up to Goudhurst village. The remainder of the walk follows footpaths through fields, orchards and woods.

At some point during this walk, we will hold an informal planning meeting for walks we will be holding in 2022.  If you would like to lead a walk for the West Kent group next year or have any suggestions for walks, please come prepared with ideas.

BOOKING: Advance booking is required. Due to national Covid regulations and for contact tracing purposes all attendees must be either full GOC members or have a free trial online membership. The event is of course free of charge. You can book on behalf of others as well as yourself. If you have difficulty booking then please contact the West Kent Group Coordinator at [email protected] to do it for you. You will only be permitted to attend a GOC event if you have registered in advance via the website. Thank you !

During the walk attendees should follow social distancing rules at all times and respect that others may have different sensitivities to personal safety.

Full details are available to members only

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