Walkers Friend

Walkers Friend are helping us with a portfolio of walks which start and finish at the Mill. They have also created a repertoire of discovery walks around East Kent, exploring parts that you would otherwise not be able to see. Some walks are link especially with other wind and water-powered mills as there is such an abundance and local interest. We intend to have these and the entire catalogue available at the Mill in 2007 for purchase a nominal purchase.

Astonishingly, membership to Walkers Friend is still only £2.50 per year to join! How can they afford to do it, other than for the love of walking, and walking locally?

To start things rolling Founder, Les Oliver has scheduled an circular walk from the Mill on Sunday 19th November at 10:30, though his colleague John Pitcher will be leading the walk.

Just be here in good time to take part!

River Dour Trail

The River Dour Trail is a new walking trail that has been signposted from Wellington Dock, near the sea front, to Kearsney Abbey gardens and the village of Temple Ewell. This new trail is four files long (6km) and you should allow up to 2.5 hours. The walk is generally level and is nearly all on pavements. There are refreshment and toilet facilities along the route.

Crabble Corn Mill, of course makes a good half-way house for refreshments, afternoon tea or just a comfort break!

The River dour has been important to the people of Dover for centuries. From Bronze Age boat builders, about 3,500 years ago, to Victorian mill owners, it is now an important habitat for some rare and distinctive wildlife.

Chalk streams are fed primarily from rain filtering down through the chalk, emerging as clean and calcium rich (hard) water that provides ideal conditions for a wide range of plants and animals, some of which are rare and making a comeback. Brook water-crowsfoot and water-starworts along with watercress and water forget-me-not.

Today the Dour supports the most significant colony of brown trout in South East England. This pretty native trout scrapes shallow areas in the gravel beds know as 'redds' where they lay their eggs during winter.

You may be lucky enough to see a kingfisher diving for its supper or an emperor dragonfly resting on the bankside vegetation.

The Dour was once a busy river, supporting 13 water-powered mills, of which 8 were corn mills, 5 paper mills. A corn mill was first recorded in 762 AD, probably near Buckland, and was the first recorded mill in Britain.

Buckland Paper Mill was in use from 1888 to its permanent closure in 2000. Our Mill at Crabble is the ONLY mill still working on the river, built in 1812 still producing stoneground wholemeal flour by waterpowered millstones.

Kearsney Abbey was never an 'abbey' but a grand house finished in 1822 for John Minet Fector. In the late 1950's the house was demolished leaving only the billiard room which is now a tea room.

For a copy of this leaflet contact the Mill, or White Cliffs Countryside Project, or call 01304 241806

Cycle Routes

For the seasoned cyclist, around Kent either for a holiday or for regular two-wheel explorers it's worth browsing Cycle Kent. One of the most popular route for cyclists at Crabble Mill is 'Coast to Cathedral' which is downloadable from Sustrans or getting a copy from the mill.

'Coast to Cathedral'

This is a marvelous 50 mile (80km) circular ride on Regional Routes 16 & 17 linking Dover Folkestone and Canterbury which passes near Crabble Mill. It could therefore be the perfect place to start or finish!

The ride is blessed with leafy lanes and bridleways, rolling hills,, wide skies, woodland, country villages and hamlets; the perfect recipe for a cycle holiday and great day rides. The circular route can be approached anti-clockwise via Route 16 as the climb out of Dover is short and steep compared to the longer harder climb out of Folkstone.

With stunning views of Dover Castle out of Dover, you soon join quiet country lanes and meander through fine East Kent countryside and old villages to Patrixbourne where you join the North Downs Way to Canterbury. The return leg from Canterbury branches off Route 16 at Patrixbourne as you pick up scenic Route 17 through Bridge to follow quiet valley lanes past Lynsore Bottom to Elham.

Routes in White Cliffs Country

If you want to be based more locally for a cycling holiday then do ask for recommended camp sites and other 'bike-friendly' accommodation.

There are newly opened cycle routes throughout the district help you explore more. Enrich your senses as you take in open views, fresh sea air and contrasting countryside. Stop off to visit magical castles, or for refreshments at characterful old inns and teashops along the routes.

National Route 1 Dover to Deal:
Come by the sea or from the west into Dover, and the first thing you see is the magnificent white cliffs. Before leaving spend some time savouring Dover's rich maritime history as the Gateway to England, perhaps take a dip in the sea. Route 1 is well signed.
From Dover there's a steep climb to Langdon Cliffs, then through to St Margaret's with magnificent views over the Channel.
The route to Kingsdown follows an off-road track across open downland with lovely open views. At Kingsdown the route leaves the road to follow a shared path next to the shingle beach.
In Walmer the route passes the Castle and Walmer Green with the Lifeboat house.. The path reaches Deal near the spot where Julius Caesar landed in 55BC.
At Deal Castle the route shares the seafront promenade with pedestrians.

Deal to Sandwich, also Route 1:
From Deal Pier rejoin the seafront road and ride north. At the end of the seafront, follow signs to Golf Rd. The route follows a quiet lane past world famous golf courses, through sand dunes and flat grassy fields where medieval monks drained the old marshlands. Look out for all the sea birds and rare plants; stop for a picnic on the beach or in the dunes, or a meal at one of the traditional Inns. Lock up your bikes on the quay, picnic by the riverside and, if you've time saunter through the fascinating medieval streets of half-timbered houses. Sandwich was once the greatest port and fourth largest town in England! From Sandwich, it's a short ride to Richborough Roman Fort, or to the village of Worth with its duck pond and two fine pubs.

The Sandwich Way, Route 15:
At the Dover end, Crabble Corn Mill is nearby. The route starts near the superstores and goes under the A2 to Whitfield where it joins Route 16, a way up from the Docks. Follow the route past Guston through the beautiful rolling countryside, partly on the former main road and partly on the purpose-built track. It is an area of bridleways for off-roaders, ancient churches, hedgerows, yew trees and medieval villages with timber-framed buildings. Halfway to Sandwich there's a sheltered picnic spot and some attractive pubs with gardens. Just off the route are old churches in the old mining towns of Betteshanger and Tilmanstone. In Eastry there are more Inns, also there are 'PYO' fruit farms before cycling near Worth then through to Sandwich.

The Miners' Cycle Trail:
A new route which explores the beautiful lower slopes of the North Downs between Deal and Shepherdswell, past what remains of the old Kent coal mines and the rush for 'black' gold'. At Sholden starts one of the first cycle tracks on the country. With Miners getting injured riding home in the dark a campaign was launched to build a path separated from the main road! At the end of the track, go left down the hill, then right through Finglesham. Then, follow signs to Eastry, up hill and down dale, past the Blazing Donkey. Look out for local churches, shops of local produce, interesting birds and wildlife. At Eastry stop at the pubs or something to eat at the fish bar, or over the crossroads into Mill Lane. At the edge of the villages is a sharp left, look out for the turn into Thornton Lane, then a country junction where you take a bridlepath to Shepherdswell. You will pass by pastures and to the East Kent Light Railway. Perhaps pause to take a short train-ride on steam railway which once carried coal from the nearby collieries.

The Skylark Trail:
This route starts outside Deal station. From the bridge take Mill Rd into Victoria Park. Follow the signed off-road path past Tides Swimming Pool. From Walmer station, take Station Rd under the bridge, then turn into Coldblow Rd. Go over the level crossing, past Ringwould with a delightful old church and yew trees, and an old pub. There are great views of open countryside, old woods and hedgerows. Martin is an historic village where you can also stop for refreshments at the Old Lantern Inn which has a large garden. Martin Mill station is easy walking distance to start or leave the route and there is a good, recommended campsite here too.

For a copy of the leaflet or for guided cycle rides all year round contact White Cliffs Countryside Project or call 01304 241806.

Walks In Kent

This pack contains 18 circular walks ranging from 2.2 to 5.3 miles (3.5 - 8.5 km). Each walk is in an individual leaflet so that you don't need to take the entire pack each time you go walking! Each leaflet is set-out with an Ordnance Survey 'Explorer' size map with directions, along with a route description and a photo guide.

Four of the walks I can thoroughly recommend are also easy access from Crabble Mill and so you could easily pop in and see us for some refreshments at the start or finish:

ELHAM

3.7 miles (5.9km), allow 2 hours

About the walk...
Starting from Elham's medieval church, it's not too long before you're off the road and following part of the popular Elham Valley Way. The route climbs into open fields offering stunning views across the valley with church spires, villages and patchwork fields stretching into the distance. The well marked paths wind through pasture and chalk grassland before gradually descending back towards the village.

SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE
4 miles (6.4km), allow 3 hours

About the walk...
Experience some fantastic views along the high chalk cliffs at the edge of the North Downs which form part of the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Starting at the entrance to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre, the marked route follows around Langdon Hole and Fan Point towards South Foreland Lighthouse. Built in 1843 to mark dangerous offshore banks and also used by Marconi for the first successful trials in radio navigation, the Lighthouse is open to the public between April and October.

KINGSDOWN & WALMER

2.2 miles (3.5km), allow 1.5 hours

About the walk...
This short walk not far from the villages of Walmer and Kingsdown offers some fine views from Hawkshill Freedown. The Freedown is a public area of open grassland offering fine views across the surrounding countryside, the English Channel and on a clear day, the coast of France. Hawkshill was once a World War 1 aerodrome and now the site of a memorial to pilots who flew from here and were killed fighting in France. The walk also passes Walmer Castle which dates from the 16th century. The castle formed part of a line of defence along the edge of the downs. Now owned by English Heritage, the castle is home to a collection of memorabilia from the Duke of Wellington.

GOODNESTONE

4.5 miles (7.2km), allow 2.5 hours

About the walk...
Goodnestone is probably best known for the fascinating gardens at Goodnestone Park. Hidden away not far from Canterbury, this route takes you on a pleasant walk around the local area. Another major landmark on the route is Chillenden Mill. This mill was severely damages by strong winds in 2003 but has now been restored to its former glory.

All the walks in this pack are also available to download from Explore Kent.

"Explore the Kent countryside
Have fun, stay healthy!"

Places To Visit

• TRAIN RIDES
• BOAT TRIPS
• MUSEUMS
• MILLS
• GARDENS
• FAMILY FUN

You are spoilt for choice with fourteen unique and fascinating attractions to be discovered in Dover, Deal, Sandwich, the surrounding countryside and villages as well as other National Trust and English Heritage locations.

Crabble Corn Mill
St Margaret's Museum
Deal Maritime & Local History Museum
Sandwich Guildhall Museum
Time Ball Museum
Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat
East Kent Railway
Sandwich River Bus
Roman Painted House
White Rural Heritage Centre
White Cliffs Boat Trips
Dover Transport Museum
Pines Garden
Goodnestone Gardens

Each place in the leaflet has a description, opening times, admission details. The entry for our Mill is described as:

"Crabble Corn Mill was built in 1812 to feed thousands of troops defending Dover and the Kent Coast against the threat of invasion by Napoleon. By the time the mill closed in 1893, this fine Georgian watermill represented the 'state-of-the-art', with the latest in American-designed automatic machinery to mill, sieve and grade flour. Then it was just one of over a dozen watermills making flour or paper along the short river Dour in Dover. Despite all its technology the mill closed when steam power replaced water power. It was a minor miracle that it survived 70 years of closure with its contents intact. Now you can visit the mill and see it working and enjoy and relax in our riverside Tea Room with splendid views across the millpond."

For a copy of this leaflet contact the Mill, or call the Visitor Information Centre on 01304 205108, or browse White Cliffs Country.

Passport

Taste, Tales & Trails in East Kent

With all the moans of groans of lack of funding for tourism, we've decided to go into self-publishing. Our first project is to create a small book or, more acurately a short series of trails centred around the Mill for regulars to Crabble and for the discerning green tourist who wants something to do which is just that little bit different, "off the beaten track".

Circular walks along and near the river Dour
Cycle routes up and around the Downs
Half-day adventures further afield

The circular walks will probably vary between 3.5 and 8 miles, each being a different type and in a different direction. We've yet to decide whether the cycle routes will be based on Route 17 of the Kent network "cathedral to coast" but that gives us an excellent start point.

The extended adventures will bring in other explorations of East Kent, be it a variety of other mills to experience; other designated Historic Buildings of Kent and history trails; wildlife sanctuaries and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; stopping-off to sample and taste the food delights of The Garden of England.

Not sure when we will have these available, but we are starting work on them now. As and when each element is complete we'll probably upload it to the website to make it readily accessible for people, as well as having copies at the Mill.

If helping to put this project together stimulates you, then do get in touch. With a couple more people involved it'll get done much quicker!