Wye - Crundale - Eggarton Manor - Crundale Downs

Jeff Seaman

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From the small and picturesque village of Wye on the banks of the River Stour our route climbs the flanks of the North Downs, passing through the ancient village of Crundale. From Crundale we follow the Stour Valley Walk past Eggarton Manor and then ascend Blue Downs, from where there are sweeping views across the Stour Valley to the downs on the opposite bank and the medieval village of Chillham.

At Blue Downs we leave the Stour Valley Walk and follow paths through lonely Eggringe Wood and Barton Wood, descending to the valley floor before climbing again to Crundale Downs to pass the tiny and isolated church of St Mary's.

From there we follow the path along the ridge of Crundale Downs with views of the downs and countryside all around. There are no roads to be seen, just woods, farmland and pasture.

Our route passes through Towns Wood before descending sharply and following a path through Hurst Wood that leads us into a valley and eventually to Combe Manor. From Combe Manor we climb steeply through Colyerhill Wood - where there is a profusion of startlingly white wild garlic flowers in May - to join the North Downs Way along Wye Downs. Here there are truly stupendous views across the weald.

We then follow ancient paths down the slope of the North Downs and back to Wye, where you can have lunch, tea or a drink at one of several renowned pubs and tea shops.

England - South England - Kent - North Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

8/18/2019 - Kerry Aldridge

Lovely walk but some of the directions are confusing and out of date. Many of the markers are missing. Did find my way round but had to retrace my steps on several occasions. Fantastic views and brilliant walk for dogs. Took me 7 hours with a brief stop for lunch.

5/2/2011 - Carol Rose

This walk must be done. It is a fabulous walk with great views. One of the best I have done. The terrain was varied and at times I did not feel I was in Kent. Plenty of hills but well worth it. We took the dog who was off lead most of the time.

8/31/2010 - Sid Marks

Completed this walk yesterday,superb views,thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a few pointers to look out fo: at waymark 10,the gap in the hedge is found by turning left at the end of the path,then right to the corner of the field where you find the hidden stile. At waymark 11 along the Crundale Downs, a large tree has fallen completely blocking the path. The only way round is to exit the woodland on the right into a field for about 50 feet then rejoin the path. At waymark 14, there are no stiles in the corner, just a low wooden fence which you step over.

5/11/2010 - Sharon Kemp

Did this walk yesterday. About as strenuous as it gets in Kent, rising and falling from the North Downs 4-5 times, but fantastic views and different countryside, with woodlands, downland, pastures and arable fields. Excellent instructions and a fantastic day.

8/14/2006 - Stuart McLachlan

Beautiful views along the North Downs. Wouldn't bother about the section of forest north of Crundale.

1/21/2006 - Declan McGlone

I did this walk today (21/01/06) with a friend, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Bit muddy in places due to rain in recent days, but overall an excellent walk.

11/3/2005 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated November 2005.