Trail Tale: The Elham Valley Way Unleashed

Kent’s Hidden Gem: The Elham Valley Way Dog-Friendly

25-Mile Hike from Canterbury to Hythe

Historically, the valley has always been a natural route, carved by meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age and later used for farming, trade, and, during WWII, as part of the defensive landscape. The Elham Valley Railway once ran through here too, carrying people between Canterbury and Folkestone until the 1940s, when it was shut down for military purposes and never reopened. Parts of the old line still shape the trail today, even if the trains are long gone.

The Elham Valley Way itself was formalised as a long-distance walking route in the 1980s, when Kent County Council and local groups linked together existing rights-of-way into a continuous, waymarked trail. Before that, it really was just a patchwork of paths that locals used because they made sense or at least made Kent sense.

These days the path loosely follows that old railway… except where it doesn’t. Expect a mix of woodland, chalk farmland, quiet lanes, and the occasional stile that looks like it was designed by someone who hates knees.

Morning Start: Canterbury to Bridge

| 🥾 Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles) | 📍 Key Stops: Canterbury Cathedral, The Cornish Bakery, Flo & Ted | 🐕 Dog Vibe: Mostly tarmac & gentle fields; easy morning warm-up |

We got up early to catch the number 16 bus from Folkestone to Canterbury, equipped with coffee in hand. We arrived at Canterbury bus station just before 8am and made our way to Canterbury Cathedral. Obligatory selfie in front, then we were offered a look inside and took the opportunity to snap a photo. As we skipped breakfast, we were keen for some good morning grub, but it was like a ghost town. We found a Pret with a very poor selection; fortunately, next door was a place called The Cornish Bakery offering exactly what it promised. Bonus: it’s a dog-friendly venue. We decided to enjoy breakfast seated rather than on the go, then made our way back to the Cathedral to officially start the route.

Initially, the trail follows fancy signs for the Via Francigena, and just after Spring Lane, the signs for the Elham Valley Way appear. The first 5k is pretty much on tarmac until you get to Patrixbourne, where the signs lead you up a field. However, bear in mind that you don’t go all the way up the hill; you pick left back toward the road, where you cross and follow a path through fields, crossing the bypass and arriving on High Street in Bridge. We took a small detour to enjoy frittata and coffee at Flo & Ted, a lovely cafe.

Fields, Forests, and Fuel: Bridge to Elham

| 🥾 Distance: ~12 km (7.5 miles) | 📍 Key Stops: The Red Lion, Covet Woods, The Kings Arms | 🐕 Dog Vibe: Beautiful meadows, but brace for heavy nettles near South Barham Hill |

Back on track, we stumbled upon a local market at The Red Lion, featuring Pawteasers – a dog treats stall dedicated solely to Poppy’s delight – say no more. Armed with extra goodies for our four-legged companion, we finally got serious about making progress. The trail meanders through scenic daisy fields and past a mysterious manor house lurking behind the trees before crossing a sheep field and arriving in Bishopsbourne. The Mermaid Inn tempted us with promises of cold beer, but we resisted and marched on. Next up was Kingstone, then the outskirts of my favourite running haunt, Covet Woods. Just after the gate leading to South Barham Hill, a bench with a view beckoned us for a coffee and cinnamon bun break. Poppy demolished a pack of treats from Pawteasers with gusto.

While we savoured our break, a couple powered up the hill, looking every bit the seasoned hikers with poles, kit, and energy to spare. Turns out, they started in Elham, tackling the EVW as prep for Hadrian’s Wall, the posh way; with sherpas and hotels lined up. Enjoy it, guys! The route dips down to South Barham Hill, where you take a left and keep going until you reach a junction with a well-hidden signpost. Take a right through the little gate next to the car gate, and be careful not to loop back into Covet Woods (which we nearly did!). Head toward the smaller path on the right and push straight through the overgrowth – trust me, there’s a gate and a sign somewhere in there. Battling nettles and brambles, this was the worst-maintained section of the trail.

Then it’s downhill through fields to the other side of the road – yes, you’ll have to go uphill again. Once you’re up, with a lovely meadow to your right, watch for a narrow path cutting through it back toward the direction you came from. This is the EVW, and after a couple of stalls, you’re on the straight and narrow to Elham. Hungry and ready for lunch, we powered through to The Kings Arms, where we demolished burgers washed down with well-deserved cider.

Final Stretch: Lyminge to Hythe

| 🥾 Distance: ~22 km (13.8 miles) | 📍 Key Stops: Tolsford Hill Viewpoint, Hythe Beach | 🐕 Dog Vibe: Sweeping coastal views, but keep them close near the Etchinghill golf course |

Getting going again was tough, but we rallied. We found the Elham Valley Way and soon were crossing picturesque fields and the village of Lyminge – complete with a pub if you’re feeling very thirsty. Soon after, we crossed a road and hit the golf club premises. This is where we spectacularly went off course. It’s not straight up; keep to your right, pretty much parallel to the road. The EVW skirts the outskirts of Etchinghill village. We got blinded by the siren call of a cheeky pint at The Gatekeeper but realised we were off track, corrected ourselves, and faced a massive hill with a mast to climb instead.

Then it was (mostly) downhill, with an obligatory stop at a bench overlooking the stunning landscapes of Tolsford Hill and Summerhouse Hill. The Elham Valley Way joins the Saxon Shore and North Downs Way for a stretch until you hit the diversion to the old railway, where the EVW takes you all the way to Newington. You reach the main road, cross it near the motorway bridge, then take a side road up towards Hythe. Newington likes to loop every piece of trail, so it zigzags a bit in and out. Once you cross the motorway, it’s all downhill to Hythe High Street, where near the roundabout, the first/last EVW sign appears.

Beachside Bliss: Hythe Finale

| 🥾 Distance: ~1.5 km (1 mile) | 📍 Key Stops: Corner shop to pick up a bottle of bubbly 😉 | 🐕 Dog Vibe: Head east of Hythe Imperial for dog friendly beach (along Princess Parade) |

After the obligatory selfies with the start/finish point (because if it’s not on the ‘Gram, did it even happen?), we made a beeline for the beach. Now, the main Hythe beach isn’t exactly dog-friendly all year round, so we took a cheeky detour to the east side where the doggos can roam free without a care.

Boots off, sweaty clothes ditched, and a glorious plunge into the refreshing sea – honestly, it was the best thing ever. We came armed with a bottle of prosecco to celebrate in true style. And as if the day wasn’t perfect enough, we were treated to a spectacular sunset that made us feel like we’d won the hiking lottery.

FAQ