Defences of the First World War in Newington, Kent

Start : Bull Lane, Newington, opposite the children's play area. Grid ref. TQ 856 645

(S/E) On the east side of Bull Lane, next to no. 77 (the house with the swan ornaments), take the steps onto footpath ZR63. Follow the path to the first kissing gate, then walk diagonally across the field to the next kissing gate. Keep walking straight up the hill with the hedgerow on your left.

(1) At the top of the hill, go through the gate on the left and turn right along the ridge. You will arrive at the first board.

(2) Continue along the ridge in the same direction with the hedge on your right (South-West) until you reach a metalled road. Take care leaving the footpath. Turn left and cross the road so that you are walking towards oncoming traffic.

(3) Where the road bends sharply to the right, cross back over to footpath ZR64 on your left. Again, take great care and listen out for traffic. Follow the footpath onto the wide track. Take care, there are occasionally vehicles using the track to access the paintball site.

(4) Just past the paintball site, you'll see the next board on your right. Continue along the track to the next board on the corner.

(5) At the corner, turn right along the flat, wide track. At the end, turn right along the narrower footpath with woodland either side. As you leave the woodland, you'll see the final board on the corner.

(6) Turn back and retrace your steps, through the woodland and along the flat wide track.

(5) When you get to the board on the corner, continue straight on until you reach the metalled road, Callaways Lane.

(7) Turn left and follow the road round to the right. At the end, turn left again and you will be back at the starting point in Bull Lane. (S/E)

Start : Bull Lane, Newington, opposite the children's play area. Grid ref. TQ 856 645

Parking : There is free on-road parking but please be respectful of residents driveways.

Transport : Southeastern Trains stop at Newington Railway Station, just half a mile from the start point, and Chalkwell Buses 326 and 327 running between Sittingbourne and Chatham stop on the A2 nearby.

Facilities : There are no toilets or water points en route.

Terrain : Rural footpaths can have stinging nettles and brambles in summer and may be muddy in winter - please make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Dog policy : The route uses fields where horses and cattle are kept - dogs should be kept on a lead at all times.

Note : We ask also that you are respectful of our beautiful countryside at all times. Please do not leave litter and please do not wander off the footpaths.

The first hill that you climb is Standard Hill, which is reputed to have a 2,000 year old military history. Stories going back hundreds of years say that Julius Caesar camped here when he attempted to invade Britain in 55/54 BCE.

As you stand at the first board, take a moment to enjoy the 180 degree view over to the Medway estuary on your left - you should even be able to see the bridge over to the Isle of Sheppey - diagonally right, the 16th century Wormdale Farm House and, further right, the farmhouse that is all that remains of the ancient settlement of Chesley.

Much of the walk goes through what would have been orchards until a few decades ago, the reason Kent is known as The Garden of England.

The footpath with woodland either side is probably very old. Imagine the thousands of people who would have used it over the centuries.