Walk Details
This walk begins at the Yew Tree, which maybe the Oldest Pub in Kent. The pub is run by Anna, she is happy for you to park in the Car Park as long as you pop in and tell her about your walk over a drink afterwards.
An amazing lakeland walk that encircles that picturesque lake that is Westbere Lake. Formed by the restoration of the countryside following the extraction of gravel from the area.
During the second world war there was a large demand for gravel for use in making concrete for the large sea defences that surround the Kent Coast, sometimes to defend the coast from the seas and sometimes from invasion. Often these defences contain gun emplacements or defendable observation platforms.
The area next to the River Stour Provided the raw materials required with an easy means of transporting the materials to where they were needed. There is still an aggregate site next to the lake easily visible during the walk and there are still remnants of the old railway workings in the area. Within the lake there are various timbers still standing tall that are often used as perches by cormorants. The lake is deep in places as can be evidenced by the presence of diving birds such as great crested grebes and tufted ducks. If you keep your eyes open you may even see a marsh harrier or maybe if you’re really lucky a bittern. Cetti’s warbler is seen rarely, but its call can be heard loudly and is unmissable.
There are damselflies and dragonflies in great abundance during the summer. In fact this may be one of the best places to see banded demoiselles, the most beautiful damselfly that might just have given rise to the myth that is fairies.
As you return to the railway line that runs alongside the lake, if you continue left for a way there are numerous spots just perfect for a picnic with a gorgeous lakeside view.
Author: Simple Life / Simon Pollard
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Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Canterbury
