Sutton Valence and The Harbour

Exploring a Lovely Village Set in Orchards Overlooking the Weald

The village of Sutton Valence hangs on the southern slopes of the ragstone hills like three strands of a necklace suspended between the Church of St Mary in the west and the castle in the east. In sunshine, the streets with their raised ragstone pavements have an almost Mediterranean air. The High Street features old lime trees towering over Tudor almshouses built by William Lambe, a native who also founded the public school overlooking the village.

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Start Point

Sutton Valence

Grid Ref: TQ 81090 49237

Total Distance

3.1 miles (5.0 km)

Total Climbing

96 metres

Estimated Time

2 hours

Difficulty Grade

Easy

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About Sutton Valence

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Maidstone and the Medway Towns:

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The Walk Report

Sutton Valence Castle features a surviving 12th-century keep built of Kentish ragstone to watch over the road from Maidstone to Lympne. The manor was owned by the Valence family in the 13th century (originating from Valencia in Spain), who gave their name to distinguish it from neighbouring Chart Sutton and East Sutton.

Descending past College Farm into surrounding apple and pear orchards, the route passes through The Harbour (historically the manor's deer park) and the hamlet of Chart Sutton before returning along the brow of the hill.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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Sutton Valence and The Harbour

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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