Sole Street to Dode Church via Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve loop —

Embark on a difficult jogging loop from Sole Street to Dode Church, covering 11.4 miles (18.3 km) with an elevation gain of 854 feet (260 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 5 minutes. This route winds through the varied terrain of Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve, featuring undulating chalk hills, farmland, and ancient woodlands. You will experience unsed and uneven pathways, especially on the slopes of the North Downs, offering expansive views across the Medway Valley and the Kent countryside from spots like Mill Hill Bench.

This challenging run requires very good fitness, as the paths can be muddy, particularly during wetter seasons, and the terrain is continuously undulating. Be prepared for varied ground conditions and ensure you have appropriate footwear. While jogging, you might notice that parts of the trail run close to a high-speed rail line, which can introduce some noise to the experience.

The trail is rich in history and natural beauty, passing the enchanting Dode Church, a Norman church with over 900 years of history, famously abandoned after the Black Death in 1349. Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve itself is botanically significant, being the first UK recorded site for rare species like meadow clary and rough mallow. Near Dode Church, you can also discover Holly Henge, a modern ring of standing stones, and Holly Barrow, a contemporary long barrow, both adding unique cultural layers to this journey within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.