As the golden hues of early autumn begin to tint the Kent countryside, there's no better time to explore the rolling vineyards of Chapel Down, located close to the charming town of Tenterden. This circular walk, perfect for September, offers a delightful blend of pastoral beauty and viticultural intrigue. As you wander through sun-dappled pastures and manicured vines, you'll witness the excitement of the wine harvest in full swing – a quintessential experience in England's burgeoning wine region.
September marks a crucial time in the vineyard's calendar. The air is filled with anticipation as winemakers carefully monitor their grapes, waiting for the perfect moment to begin the harvest. As you walk, you might spot workers carefully selecting the choicest grapes for Chapel Down's renowned wines.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a pleasant day out, this September stroll through Kent's wine country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and viticultural discovery. It's an ideal way to experience the very best of the Garden of England as it transitions into autumn.
1. From Chapel Down Vineyard car park, walk left towards the telephone box.
2. Cross the stile on the right to join the High Weald Landscape Trail.
3. Walk between two gardens and cross another stile.
4. Follow the hedgerow to the bottom of the field.
5. Bear diagonally right across the next field, cross a bridge.
6. Walk across the bottom of the field, keeping trees on your right.
7. Cross a stile and footbridge to a yellow waymarker post (Oast House visible to your left).
8. Follow the track along a hedge, through a metal gate and across a field.
9. Cross a stile and plank bridge, continue in the same direction.
10. Walk up the left side of a field, cross another stile.
11. Cross the field to a track with a stile and footbridge.
12. Turn left, then follow the track right and left up the valley side towards woodland.
13. At a fork, bear right and cross the stile beside a metal farm gate.
14. Keep right in the field, passing an oak to join a gravel drive.
15. Follow the drive past Ashenden House to the B2082.
16. Turn left, cross carefully, and follow the driveway opposite.
17. Pass Pick Hill Cottage, go through a gate and continue on the drive.
18. Pass Hongland and Barnfield, reach another gate.
19. Cross the stile ahead and follow the field path between fields.
20. Cross another stile, descend through trees, and cross a track.
21. Continue through trees to join a track, passing cottages on your left.
22. Where the track turns sharp left, cross a plank bridge on the left.
23. Bear diagonally right across the field corner towards the winery.
24. Cross a stile, maintain direction across rough pasture to a field gate.
25. Join the track into the vineyard, follow it right to return to the winery and car park.
Optional extension:
* At the footbridge before step 11, cross and climb steps cut into the bank.
* Walk beside a large pond and follow the footpath through the wooded valley.
* Cross several stiles and bridges, following the stream.
* Pass through a gate into woodland, take steps over a bridge and up a hill.
* At a track junction with a bridge on the left, keep ahead to two more bridges.
* Return by retracing your steps to rejoin the main route.
Chapel Down are England’s leading winemaker with a mission to change the way the world thinks about English wine. Based in the Garden of England, their world class winemaking team produce award-winning sparkling wines of exceptional quality. Fresh and crisp, we invite you to raise a glass of England’s finest.
chapeldown.com
Perfectly placed pit stop:
After your walk, indulge in a tour and tasting at Chapel Down’s vineyards and winery. Learn about the English grape harvest and the intricate Traditional Method of English sparkling wine before sampling some of their award-winning wines – a perfect way to appreciate the fruits of the harvest you've just witnessed.
For a more substantial repast, treat yourself to lunch at The Swan, Chapel Down's on-site restaurant. Here, you can savour locally-sourced cuisine perfectly paired with the vineyard's finest offerings, while enjoying panoramic views over the vines.
Make a day of it:
Extend your early autumnal outing with a visit to Smallhythe Place, just across the road from Chapel Down. This 16th-century timber-framed house, once home to the celebrated Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry, offers a fascinating glimpse into theatrical history. Explore the house, filled with theatrical memorabilia, and stroll through the beautiful gardens, which are particularly lovely in early autumn.
Steps, stats, stiles:
This circular route covers 3.5 miles and should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. The walk primarily follows field paths and includes several stiles. The landscape features a mix of pastures and vineyards, offering beautiful views throughout.
While dogs are welcome, they should be kept on a lead, especially near livestock and in the vineyard areas. Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly if it's been raining. If embarking on this route in September, the weather can be changeable, so it's wise to bring layers and possibly waterproofs.
Route followed:
This walk is recommended by the AA. Full directions and a map can be found on their Rated Trips website (ratedtrips.com/walking/around-small-hythe-and-a-vineyard
