Elham Valley facts for kids
The Elham Valley is a beautiful valley in East Kent, England. It's like a natural bowl carved out of soft chalk rock by the River Nailbourne. This valley gets its name from the village of Elham, which is one of the many small towns found here.
Other villages you'll find in the valley include Etchinghill, Lyminge, Barham, Kingston, Bishopsbourne, and Bridge. The valley is part of the North Downs, which are a range of chalk hills in southeastern England.
High up on the valley slopes, you can find special areas called chalk downland. These are grassy hills that haven't been changed much by farming. Places like Baldock Downs and Park Gate Down are great examples. Near Bishopsbourne and North Lyminge, you can also see traditional fields where sheep graze and wet meadows by the water.
Exploring the Elham Valley Way
The Elham Valley is home to a fantastic walking path called the Elham Valley Way. This long trail is about 22.5 miles (36 kilometers) and is perfect for a fun adventure!
The path begins in the coastal town of Hythe and ends at the famous Canterbury Cathedral. A big part of this walking route follows the old path of the Elham Valley Railway. This railway was built a long time ago in the 1800s and used to connect the towns of Folkestone and Canterbury.
The railway stopped running in 1947, but its history lives on! You can even visit a railway museum in Peene, which is just north of the Channel Tunnel station. It's a great way to learn about the trains that once traveled through this lovely valley.
