With Summer upon us, I’ve been enjoying some of the wonderful places we have around us in Kent. Lots of these spots are great throughout the year but really are the best when the sun is shining! Whether you’re looking for a walk, picnic spot or just a quiet place to enjoy the (hopefully!) warmer weather, there’s plenty close by to enjoy.
Middle Circular Walk
There are some great walks in Canterbury and I recently tried out the middle circular route with a student society (AllTrails link here). It takes you through some hidden gems in Canterbury and you can pick up some of the trail really close to campus. This photo was taken in Duke’s Meadow, part of the trail and 15-20mins from campus.
The Great Stour
Running through the city, the Great Stour is a beautiful stretch of river and I get out on it plenty with the University of Kent’s Kayaking Club. During the spring and summer, the river comes alive with birdsong (I love using the Merlin bird ID app around Grove Ferry) and the sunshine makes getting out on the river even better!
Campus
We’ve got some beautiful walks on and around campus and the summer sunshine makes them even more magical. Bluebell Woods brings us all the flowers, with daffodils in early spring and, aptly named, a carpet of bluebells weeks later. Just a few steps from Park Wood or Woolf, you can lose yourself in greenery. Why not try the walk along the Crab and Winkle Way, explore Brotherhood Woods or follow the path from Woolf down to the old Crab and Winkle Way for some lovely woodland?
Blean Woods
With Blean a stone’s throw from Parkwood and West Blean (where the bison, cattle and other rewilded species are!), it’s easy to escape from your studies and take in the fresh air and stunning scenery.
Your own spaces
If you’re lucky enough to have your own green spaces, be sure to make the most of them. I’ve been trying to study in my garden whenever I can (and I enjoy the odd ice cream out there too!) It’s a nice change of location from the library and a great opportunity to find out what wildlife is, literally, living on your doorstep! Bonus tip: inspired by Dr Jake Bicknell, I invested in a window bird feeder. Now, even when I can’t be outside, I can enjoy feathery friends from my desk.
Where is your favourite place to visit in the summer? Let us know over on our Instagram @dice.kent