Village Life

Our parish is surrounded by a network of beautiful public footpaths and bridleways that make walking one of the best ways to enjoy the countryside of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Quiet lanes and field paths link Lower Hardres and Nackington with neighbouring villages such as Petham, Chartham and Pett Bottom, offering peaceful routes for short strolls or longer circuits.

Local walking groups, such as the East Kent Walking Group and Ramblers, organise regular circular walks beginning and ending in the parish. For example, routes via Whitehill Wood, Pett Bottom and Petham take in woodland, farmland and village scenery, often finishing with refreshments at a local pub.

For those wanting to explore further, the Canterbury Rings provide a series of waymarked circular routes radiating out from Canterbury into the wider countryside. There are several options, including the Middle Ring - a roughly 10‑mile countryside route - and the Outer Ring, which extends about 20 miles through rural landscapes and villages around the city.

These longer walks take in woodland, river valleys and farmland and are a great way to combine local paths with wider regional trails. In addition, the Stour Valley Walk follows the River Stour through some of Kent’s most scenic countryside not far from the parish, and many walkers enjoy linking local footpaths with longer riverside sections for day hikes and nature excursions.