Fancy a challenge? This popular long-distance route showcases the variety of landscapes in the High Weald. From patchwork fields and small hamlets to steep-sided wooded valleys and fast-flowing streams, it’s easy to see why the Tunbridge Wells Circular is one of the most popular walks in the county!

Starting by the Old Forge Farm House, head North East and continue along the edge of Appletree Wood, keeping an eye out for signs. Passing through the villages of Southborough, Pembury, Frant, Groombridge, and Speldhurst, the route is renowned for its natural history, heritage, archaeological and architectural features.

Walkers can enjoy the undulating countryside of the High Weald, a landscape of rolling fields, broad-leaved woodland and parkland. The Weald is the name given to the area between the North and the South Downs. This title derives from the Anglo-Saxon name, Andredes Weald, which relates to the original handle for Pevensey Castle (Anderitum) – the nearest Saxon Shore Castle.

The Tunbridge Wells Circular is an exciting way to explore the unspoilt countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) surrounding the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The route is 27.5-miles long and is waymarked in a manner that means it can be walked in either direction. Waymarking consists of coloured arrows, together with the route’s own symbols, inset onto posts around the entire route.

If you don’t want to take on the full 27.5 miles, there are plenty of opportunities to sample sections of the walk. Why not dip into some of the quaint towns and villages along the way for a pit stop (involving cake) to keep you going? Then, if you’ve got the time and the energy at the end, be sure to take a trip into Royal Tunbridge Wells and explore the spa town’s rich heritage, variety of great eateries, and shops.

Please note that sections of this route are not well waymarked, so be sure to take an OS map with you.

Location: Tunbridge Wells TN4 9EG

Distance: 27.5 miles (44 km)

Time: This long-distance route can be completed in short sections over a number of days – or in one go, if you feel like taking on a challenge

OS Explorer Map: 135 and 136

Terrain: Country lanes and woodland tracks

Parking: Parking is available near Southborough Common

Refreshments & facilities: There are a range of pubs and teashops, as well as a few public conveniences in towns and villages along the walk

To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding, and country parks, visit the brand new Explore Kent website, www.explorekent.org. Follow @explorekent on Twitter and Facebook.