Trosley Country Park and the Coldrum Stones
Kent
Trosley Country Park sits on top of the North Downs scarp above Trottiscliffe, a mix of woodland and steep chalk grassland slopes that are a Site of Special Scientific Interest for their orchids and chalkland butterflies, so dogs are asked to stay under close control here. The Trosley Ramble, a 5.6km circuit published by Kent County Council, leaves the woods and drops down the scarp to follow a stretch of the Pilgrims' Way, the old 120 mile route from Winchester to Canterbury. It passes the church of St Peter and St Paul at Trottiscliffe, on a Saxon site, and the Coldrum Stones, a Neolithic long barrow and one of the best preserved burial monuments in Kent. The descent and climb back up the scarp account for about 120 metres of ascent, with steep slopes, two sets of steps, six gates and one stile, and long views across the Medway valley.
This dog friendly walk mixes woodland, where a dog with good recall can run, with field paths and lanes below the scarp where a lead is the safer choice. Kent County Council asks for dogs to be kept under close control, and the chalk slopes are protected grassland, so keep dogs on the paths there. The woods give shade, but there is no water on the route. The Bluebell Cafe at the visitor centre sells homemade dog biscuits alongside cakes and hot drinks, and there are toilets and dog bins by the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Bluebell Cafe (sells dog biscuits), toilets and dog bins at the Trosley visitor centre.
- Parking
- Trosley Country Park car park, Kent County Council, pay and display; small National Trust car park at the Coldrum Stones.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Trosley Country Park and the Coldrum Stones, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in KentFrequently Asked Questions
Is Trosley Country Park and the Coldrum Stones dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs are welcome at Trosley Country Park, the woods give shade and room to explore, and the cafe even sells dog biscuits. The score reflects the field paths and lanes below the scarp, where a lead is sensible, plus a stile and steep steps that are hard work for older dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Trosley Country Park and the Coldrum Stones?
In parts. The woodland at the top of Trosley Country Park is the best place for off-lead time if your dog has reliable recall. Below the scarp, the route follows field paths, the Pilgrims' Way and village lanes, where livestock and traffic are possible, so a lead is wiser. Kent County Council asks for dogs to be kept under close control throughout.
What should I know before visiting Trosley Country Park and the Coldrum Stones with my dog?
The scarp is steep, with two sets of steps and one stile, so allow the full hour and three quarters. There is no water on the route. The country park opens from 9am until dusk, and the car park is run by Kent County Council. The Bluebell Cafe and toilets are at the visitor centre, and there is a second small car park at the Coldrum Stones.
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