Hartlake Bridge - Hadlow - Golden Green - Hartlake Bridge

Alison and Clive Gilbert

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This walk was originally compiled by Alan and Janet Love, sadly both are no longer with us. Alison Gilbert has kindly offered to take them over. Alison and Walkingworld would like all these excellent walks to remain as a continuing tribute to Alan and Janet.

A circular walk in Hadlow Parish circumnavigating Hadlow and Golden Green, the walk takes us mainly through fields and orchards and finally along a lovely stretch of the River Medway. Hadlow College is set within 600 acres of grounds near to the tranquil village of Hadlow. It has ten acres of gardens called Broadview Gardens and a retail garden centre, open to the public all year round. The college caters for agricultural, equine, horticultural and many other related subjects. Hadlow Tower can be seen from many points during the walk; this 150ft tower is also known as May's Folly and was built by Walter Barton May, an industrialist from the late 1800s who created Hadlow Castle, a late Victorian Gothic home with a tower. May's Folly fell into disrepair but was saved from demolition in 1951 by the painter Bernard Hailstone. Our walk takes us through typical Kentish countryside, although sadly no longer the centre of the hop growing industry - hence the many converted oast houses to be seen. In 1858 the River Medway overflowed at Hadlow and thirty hop-pickers were drowned when their cart fell off a bridge into floodwater. With a height gain of only 28 metres, this walk is mainly flat and undemanding.

England - South England - Kent - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Wildlife

8/12/2015 - John Ditton

Between Grid ref 3 and 4 just before you reach he farm buildings on the right the footpath has been diverted to the left through the orchards which emerges on the track at ref 5 where you cross over and continue. There are signs up on the track at the farm buildings saying Private and warning of danger. We were approached by the farmer because we followed the notes and he said he had reported the error many times so please correct the notes

9/22/2013 - Susan Pyne

An excellent walk with lots of variety, especially good in the autumn when the orchards and hedgerows are full of fruit but I expect also good at blossom-time. Despite being rated moderate the walk is easy going, mostly on good level paths. The directions are excellent but a little dated - several stiles have been replaced by metal gates and the Rose Revived is now the Hadlow Bar & Grill (looks OK but didn't try it!) Car parking at start of walk is limited - a couple of lay-bys near Hartlake Bridge.

3/15/2007 - Paul Haigh

11/03/07 We thoroughly enjoyed this walk of Alan and Janet's. Didn't lose our way once, which is unusual. Some of the paths were very boggy though, due to the high amount of recent rain, so we have decided to repeat the experience later in the year. Great directions and associated photo's. Well done you two :)

12/27/2005 - Jeremy Moon

Our first walk using Alan and Janet’s excellent directions beautiful Kent countryside. Enjoyed the river walk on the way back.