Living here means you're never more than a few minutes from a decent walk. The lanes are quiet, the BMAT land is right on the doorstep, and there are a handful of routes that work well year-round, even in the muddier months.
We've put together the routes we actually use, with notes on parking, stiles, livestock, and the bits that get boggy in winter. If you've got a favourite we've missed, let us know and we'll add it.
The BMAT Land Loop
This is the one most people know. The BMAT (Boughton Monchelsea Amenity Trust) manages around 300 acres of land around the village, and the main loop takes you through woodland, open fields, and along the ridge with views across the Weald.
Start from the village green and head south. The path is well marked and mostly flat, with one gentle incline near the quarry. Dogs can be off-lead through the wooded sections, though keep them close where the path crosses open grazing land. There are no stiles on this route, which makes it pushchair-friendly too.
In winter, the section near the bottom of the valley holds water. Boots are a good idea from November to March. The rest of the year it's fine in trainers.
The Linton Lane Circuit
A slightly longer route that takes you along the quiet lanes towards Linton and back through farmland. Less busy than the BMAT loop and good for dogs that need a proper run.
Head south from Heath Road and follow the footpath signs towards Linton. The lane section is surfaced and mostly traffic-free, though the odd tractor comes through. After about 20 minutes you'll hit a footpath sign pointing east through fields. Follow this back towards the village, keeping the tree line on your left.
There are two stiles on this route, both with dog gates. Sheep graze in the middle fields from spring through autumn, so keep dogs on the lead through that stretch. The views from the top of the ridge are worth the extra effort.
The Deer Park and Church Loop
A shorter option, good for when you haven't got a full hour or the weather's turning. Walk up Church Lane past St Peter's, along the edge of the deer park, and loop back through the churchyard.
Dogs need to stay on the lead here because of the deer. It's a nice one for evenings, and the churchyard is genuinely beautiful in any season. The path is well maintained and flat throughout.
A few things worth knowing
Most of the paths around the village are public rights of way and well signed. The BMAT land has its own waymarked routes. If you're new to the area and not sure where you're going, the footpath map on the parish council website covers everything, though it could use an update.
There's a dog waste bin at the village green and another near the recreation ground. Beyond that, bag it and bin it at home. The lanes towards Linton don't have any bins, so bring a spare bag.
If you know a good route we should add, or if something's changed on one of these paths, drop us a line through the listings form and we'll update this guide.