Woodland Walks in Tunbridge Wells
Did you know there are quite a few Woodland Trust woods surrounding Tunbridge Wells. Many of them are small but beautiful woodlands that are great for walking dogs.
Nellington Woods is a very small but beautiful Woodlands Trust wood in Rusthall on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. Situated just past the doctor’s surgery on Nellington Road and with free on street parking it is well worth a visit.
It is very shady so perfect on a hot day, and quite sheltered on a rainy day. In Spring the bluebells here are amazing. With a stream running through the middle, there is a circular path either side of the stream, with two small bridges to keep little ones amused. Dogs love splashing in the stream and my dog is obsessed with squirrel hunting so she loves it here. Entrance is via steps so not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
To go round the woods will only take about 10–15 minutes but if you would like a longer walk it links up with local footpaths, either along the paved “Twittens” footpath to Langton Green or over a field towards Speldhurst and Shadwell woods.
Hurst Woods is Woodland Trust woods on the other side of Rusthall, they’re great for dogwalking with lots of paths and streams.
Freizland Woods, another Woodland Trust woods, small but beautiful near High Rocks and well worth a visit.
Hargate Forest, a Woodland Trust woods accessed off Broadwater Down on the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells this is the largest of these woods. It is ancient woodland with various paths, either wide tracks “rides” or in the trees. There is an open grass area and some ponds for those dogs who like a paddle!
Shadwell Woods although not a Woodland Trust woods, I’ve included it in this blog as it links up with Nellington Woods. It is located in between Rusthall and Speldhurst and is a popular woods with local dog owners. There is a stream running through it which the dogs love, and there are wooded boarded walkways so that it is still passable in winter. You can access the woods from various points (Farnham Lane and from a footpath from Lower Green Road Rusthall, a footpath on Langton Road and from Speldhurst).
Broadwater Warren RSPB Reserve is a large area great for walking dogs, wide open paths, forest paths and ponds for fetching sticks! Parking is free off Broadwater Forest Lane and dogs must be kept on leads/under control when birds are nesting in the summer months. There are also wild ponies so make sure your dog is under control. Broadwater Warren borders Eridge Rocks and is close to the famous Harrisons Rocks, which you can walk to from here.
Birchden Woods in Goudhurst, is a Forestry Commission Woodland. It’s a popular place for kids and dogs too. There is a circular path with a hard surface that is great for kids’ bikes, scooters, pushchairs etc and you can venture off the path to make dens, explore and see Harrisons Rocks. There are a few stepping stones and wooden sculptures for the children to play with too. If you’re lucky you can also catch a glimpse of the steam trains passing. Parking is £1 for an hour which is usually plenty.
