The best walks and hikes around Platt

Hiking around Platt takes you through the classic Kent countryside, known for its rolling hills, quiet country lanes, and extensive woodlands. Many trails cross open agricultural fields and connect charming small villages, offering a peaceful and quintessentially English landscape.

Yes, the region is well-suited for family outings. With relatively gentle hills and low elevation changes, many trails are accessible for most ages and fitness levels. There are 8 designated easy hikes, such as the St Mary's Platt Church loop from St Mary's Platt, which is a pleasant walk of about 3.3 miles (5.4 km).

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Platt. However, you will likely cross fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Also, be mindful of local signage and respect farmland by sticking to the marked paths.

The trails around Platt cater to a range of abilities. Out of the 17 routes in the area, you'll find a nearly even split between easy and moderate hikes, with only one rated as difficult. This means there are plenty of options whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging walk.

Absolutely. The area is great for circular walks that bring you back to your starting point. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the Mereworth Woods – View of the Grassy Field loop from Borough Green. It's about 2.5 miles (4 km) and offers a lovely walk through woodland.

The hiking routes around Platt are highly regarded by the komoot community, which includes over 9,000 visitors. The trails have earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,400 reviews, with hikers often praising the quiet woodlands and scenic views across the Kent Downs.

Yes, if you're looking for a longer day out, the View Over Kent Downs – Coldrum Long Barrow loop from St Mary's Platt is a great option. This moderate trail is over 10 miles (16.7 km) long and takes you past a Neolithic burial chamber, offering fantastic views over the Kent Downs.

There are over 15 curated hiking routes to explore around Platt. These range from short, easy walks to longer, more demanding trails, providing plenty of options for discovering the Kent countryside.

For a route that gives you a bit of everything, try the St Mary's Platt Church – Mereworth Woods loop from Borough Green. This 7.4-mile (11.9 km) moderate hike passes through the village of St Mary's Platt before heading into the expansive and beautiful Mereworth Woods.

Many hikes start from villages like St Mary's Platt or Borough Green, where you can typically find on-street parking or small public car parks. However, spaces can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea.

Yes, some trailheads are accessible via public transport. Borough Green has a train station with connections to London and other parts of Kent, making it a convenient starting point for several walks in the area. From there, you can easily access the network of local footpaths.

Waterfalls are not a prominent feature of the landscape around Platt. The hikes here are characterized more by rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields rather than dramatic water features.