Length of route:
1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes walking time
Starting point:
TR153147
Suitable for:
Walking
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – 138 Dover, Folkestone and Hythe

As we discovered on our first walk  ‘strollexes’ are for discerning folk. Folk who want a 1 -2+  hour stroll via interesting land marks, with a little extra exercise, without the need; to tie three yards of bootlace; to hunt for a mobile, money and munchies in a 10-pocketed kagoule; and to carry a rucksack full of spam sandwiches! 

Our second ‘strollex’ again finds us in Hythe, Kent, the beautiful and historic Cinque Port, check it out, there’s much to offer. We start outside the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

To begin we cross the bridge over the Royal Military Canal  and Green Lane, traverse the London Road , then turn sharp left up that road for some 40 yards where we turn right (if you go as far as the Turnpike Hill turning you have gone too far) and climb a steepish footpath - lets get the ex bit over early!! 

On reaching the top of the footpath we turn sharp left by the sub- station and walk down a wide footpath. The path bears right in front of Copper Beeches (a house) and we turn left at the Boundary Stone, dedicated to a Mr. Taylor, Mayo of Hythe 1934. 

We continue along this path for some 30 yards and turn right at the gate into the marvellous Brockhill Country Park where a lovely open rolling meadow greets us. 

We take the path that leads uphill to the fence line turning to see the expanse of the English Channel forming our background. Continuing left along the fence line we reach another entrance/exit to the Park. We then veer left and walk down the grassy slope, keeping close to the higher ground. 

We stop in front of the first of many information boards, this time to read why ’I can see clearly now’  then  carry on for 20 yards or so until we reach a metal kissing gate on our higher right and go through it. We follow the footpath to the picnic area, head for the information centre, café and car park (See below) – that’s 1/2hr done!! 

Here we will find lots of information leaflets and guides which we can peruse whilst partaking of a refreshing drink and snack at the splendid Brockhill Park café. No need for your spam sandwiches!  (Strollers may now decide to follow their own interests after reading of alternative strolls) .

We however are about to see the results of the imagination of William Tournay, who in the 19^th Century created the unique Brockhill Victorian Pleasure Gardens. 

Fully revived we leave the café, head down the path, through the picnic area to the lake, valley and wilderness. Here, in February there is a wonderful display of snowdrops; drifts of them under the trees and up the hillsides. We explore the lakeside and all its off-shoot paths, sit on the throne and understand why we are ‘a hostage to fortune’. Then we re-join the main path in the SE corner of the lake, passing by the innovative Forest School area. 

We continue on the path keeping to the right of the stream, finally climbing a style crossing a bridge (look out for trolls!) and entering a small wood. 

We take the uphill path towards the houses and return on the path that leads back to the Copper Beeches. Here we reverse our walk back to the Light Railway Café where refreshment awaits. 

What an enjoyable Stroll + ex!

Car park - for those wishing a shorter stroll, drive to the Brockhill Country Park Car Park just of fSandling Rd, a short distance from the beautifulvillage of Saltwood.  Also, Sandling Station is but 10mins walk away from the park entrance.