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Riding in Kent
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Kent countryside

Area Guides: Kent
Activities:

Horse Riding


Details:
Bluebell Hill Ride
This beautiful ride gives far-ranging views over the River Medway and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 4.5 miles route passes through sheltered woodland, open farmland and follows the course of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The area is full of wildlife with several nature reserves situated near to the route.

Remember that a part of the ride runs bordering to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, where trains appear rapidly and at high speed. Do consider whether your horse would find this distressing before setting out on the route.

There were ruins of a Roman temple on Blue Bell Hill, but the Romans were not the first people to call the hill their home, as the ancient burial chambers of Kits Coty and Coldrum bear witness. In AD455 the hillside sounded to the cries of battle as Vortimer, King of the Britons, fought the Saxons who were led by the mercenaries Hengist and Horsa. It is said the battle raged on all day and by the close Vortimer lay dead, as did Horsa. It is reported that Vortimer was buried somewhere on the hill near to Kits Coty House and that at certain times the cries of battle can still be heard! Also nearby is the King-making or White Horse Stone, an important and ancient site that marked the spot where the Kings of Kent were crowned according to legend.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS


Alkham Valley Ride
Enjoy this breathtaking ride in the Alkham Valley. The 8½ miles route is situated in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and explores the serene countryside around Alkham village. The route is 4 miles from the coast between Folkestone and Dover and there is a variety of habitats to discover. With woodland, chalk streams, downland and grassland all found along the way there is lots to get pleasure from.

Chalk grassland is recognised as one of the most species rich habitats, supporting a varied range of plant and insect species. The thin, chalky soils have led to the growth of highly specialised plants that have adapted to put up with these conditions. In good chalk grassland up to 40 different plant species can be found in one metre square! Chalk grassland has disappeared at a disturbing rate in the last 60 years owing to a lack of grazing resulting from the decline in livestock farming, more intensive agriculture practices concerning reseeding and fertilising and ploughing up grassland for arable crops.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS


Wye and Crundale rides
This riding area is found within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and enjoys a superb countryside panorama. The area is rich in flora and fauna and offers a multiplicity of habitats. Sections of the North Downs Way National Trail are open to riders in this area.

Limited parking is available for horse boxes and trailers at Sunley Farms Ltd (Tel: 01227 730293). If you wish to park your box or trailer at this site please telephone in advance to make arrangements.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS


Dry Hill rides
These routes lie within the High Weald Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) between the North and South Downs. Areas of ancient broad-leaved woodland are to be found along the bridleways and provide varied plant and animal communities. The area is acknowledged for its archaeology and the Iron Age hill fort at Dry Hill Camp is a significant historical feature in the region. Limited parking is offered for horse boxes and trailers in the lay-by on Ospode Lane, along the side of Ford Manor Road, and on the old road at Marsh Green.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS


Freedown rides
These routes are located in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Positioned near to the coast, the routes present first-rate views of both the rolling chalk downland and the striking coastline. There are numerous chalkland flowers to be observed along the bridleways, while an assortment of butterflies are found in the open grassland areas.

Limited pay parking is available for horse boxes and trailers at Owl House Stables in St Margaret's at Cliffe (Tel: 01304 852035). If you wish to park your box or trailer this site please telephone in advance to make arrangements. Some parking is also available at St Margaret's Cliffe, in lay-bys along the B2058, Station Road and B2058, Dover Road, and on an area of land to the south-east and next to Kingsdown Road.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS


Bedgebury Forest rides
The area around Bedgebury Forest enjoys a first-class network of toll rides and public bridleways making it perfect for riders. With 12km of riding tracks, links to other existing bridleways and a trail map Bedgebury offers an exceptional riding experience. The forest is a celebrated conservation site and visitors can observe the imposing trees and wildflowers, as well as some of Britain's rare wildlife.

Safe parking is available for TROT (Toll Rides Off-road Trust) members. For more information on the parking near Bedgebury available with TROT contact the Trust on 01622 735599.

You may like to purchase a map of the area from here: MAPS

Routes for the particular rides can also be found on the KCC site: Riding

Disclaimer: The information on this leisure activity was presented with the best of intentions. Any reported errors will be corrected immediately. People interested in contacting the above leisure activity should confirm for themselves the accuracy of any data presented.



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Another Kent Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Kent.
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