It’s a lesser-known delight of Kent, but the Isle of Oxney comprises one of the county’s most unspoilt stretches of countryside – and a locally-produced booklet shows us how to make the best of it with a series of walks.

The isle sits between Tenterden and Rye just over the county border in East Sussex and is an area of high ground rising from flat, marshy surrounds that are in effect a western extension of Romney Marsh.

It reaches five miles from east to west and two and a half miles north to south, with two parishes – Wittersham and Stone-cum-Ebony – included within it.

Once surrounded by the sea, which has receded and is now held back by sea walls, Oxney is still an island encircled by waterways, even if some of them are just a few metres wide.

Happily, it is possible to walk alongside many of these waterways, while a range of circular walks can be started from one of Wittersham, Stone or Ebony churches, heading out to and along a waterway and returning via another course.

The booklet offers 14 routes – the shortest is just two miles, while if you choose the combined Three Churches Walk be prepared to take on some 13 miles.

It was put together 30 years ago, so it’s worth bearing mind that some aspects might have changed in that time, but the application of a little common sense should be all that’s needed to enjoy a lovely day out in a delightful part of the county.  

• Oxney Walks is available to buy at Wittersham Village Store in Poplar Road. Proceeds go to the Isle of Oxney.

Monday, July 11, 2020