We discovered a lovely bit of woodland last weekend - always after somewhere fresh to walk The Hound, we hadn't been to Larkey Valley Wood before, and shall definitely go again.
We found it almost by accident as we explored the lanes around Thannington by car. Probably the easiest way to find it is by taking Stranger's Lane off the A28 Ashford Road, then right into Cockering Road. A short distance down you'll find the visitor's car park on the left.
I looked it up online when we got back, and it seems Larkey Valley Woods has belonged to Canterbury City Council since the early 1930's. when it was gifted by the then Lord Mayor of Canterbury, to ensure it's preservation and accessibility for the public forevermore.
And it's worth it. A lovely place to go for a walk or picnic, Larkey Valley Woods is unspoilt, managed well, and popular without being crowded.
Chatting to a couple we met on our walk, they told us they lived nearby and use the woods regularly, enjoying the "beautiful" displays of wild flowers in spring time, and their grandchildren apparently love spotting wild life throughout the year.
We'll definitely take a trip back there again, despite living a little way away - especially as it's one of the few places we've been for a walk of late where we haven't lost The Hound in the process!
Ben
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Ben Jackson is a freelance writer and photographer with The Little White Studio.
