Lyminge Forest and Etchinghill Circular
Kent
Lyminge Forest sits on the Kent Downs above Folkestone, a sprawling block of mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland threaded with bridleways and forest tracks. This dog friendly circular pulls in sections of the Elham Valley Way and the North Downs Way to link Lyminge with the neighbouring villages of Etchinghill and Postling, swapping deep woodland for open downland views.
Forestry England paths are flat, well surfaced and stile free, ideal for confident off lead time once away from the road and farmland edges. Expect occasional encounters with sheep grazing the chalk grassland sections of the North Downs Way, where leads are required, and forestry vehicles on the wider tracks. Free parking is available at West Wood car park (1.8m height barrier) and at Mockbeggar on Longage Hill, with no facilities on site so plan ahead for water and toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.5 km (9.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Forest, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on site at the forest car parks. Pubs and a village shop in Lyminge village a short drive away.
- Parking
- Free Forestry England car parks at West Wood (height barrier 1.8m) and Mockbeggar on Longage Hill, plus limited roadside parking nearby.
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