Miner’s Way Trail
A 29-mile long-distance walk in Kent visiting sites associated with the area’s coal mining heritage and picturesque countryside. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TR 355 524
Distance: 29 miles (47 km)
Time: 12–15 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
138 Dover, Folkestone and Hythe
150 Canterbury, Isle of Thanet, Herne Bay, Deal and Whitstable
Summary
The Miner’s Way Trail winds its way through the picturesque countryside of East Kent, linking together pretty villages, small farmsteads, grand country estates, and the remains of the area’s industrial and mining heritage. Much of this arable landscape, profuse with hedges and woodlands, has remained largely unchanged since Saxon times, and the names of the villages and hamlets along the route have deep Old English origins.
The walking trail follows a circular route covering approximately 29 miles and can be walked over two or three days. Starting from Sholden, it explores the beautiful lower slopes of the North Downs between Deal and Shepherdswell, passing remnants of old coal mines opened during the 1920s rush for “black gold.” In total, the trail links the old coalfield parishes of East Kent, including Deal, Ash, Aylesham, Chillenden, Eastry, Eythorne, Elvington, Goodnestone, Nonington, Northbourne, Coldred, Staple, Tilmanstone, and Wingham.