The unsung Kent woodland that’s perfect for dog walks and winter strolls

It’s not often you find yourself in a woodland that is younger than most adults. However if you head over to Victory Wood between Faversham and Whitstable, that is exactly what can be found.

Situated on the western edge of the expansive Blean complex, which stretches out over 11 square miles, Victory Wood serves as an interesting contrast to the ancient woodland it neighbours. While some of the trees in Blean Woods date back centuries, those that make up Victory Wood were planted between 2005 and 2008.

The creation of this green space came as part of the 200th anniversary of Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. In honour of the milestone, the Trafalgar Woods Project saw the establishment of 27 new woodlands around the nation, one for every British boat that took part in the monumental battle.

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As such, there are many features around Victory Wood which relate to the historic event, including fascinating sculptures and groves representing ships from the fleet. There is a full scale footprint of the HMS Victory, marked out using oak posts, while the Link Sculpture found at the top of the ridge features a panoramic viewfinder.

In all, the woodland spans 140 hectares - or 350 acres - and the Discovery Trail is a brilliant way to explore all the area has to offer. There are plenty of surfaced routes throughout, making it an easy destination to traverse with pushchairs or wheelchairs, and there are no width restricting features such as stiles.

Four different entrances provide access into Victory Wood and the main entrance is located at the free Woodland Trust car park off Dargate Road. The second entrance is found to the northern boundary of the site, again off Dargate Road, via an accessible kissing gate, and the third is found to the south-west boundary of the wood off the same road through a pedestrian squeeze gap.

Finally, the fourth entrance sits to the south east corner, just off Denstroude Lane via another all-access kissing gate; but guests are advised that parking isn’t permitted on the track leading up to the gateway. Neighbouring the expansive Blean woodland, this is a great spot to see some wonderful wildlife including Tawny Owls, Woodpeckers and Buzzards.

Other key landmarks to keep an eye out for include the decommissioned Cold War bunker, as well as the numerous dedicated trees and benches. A pathway runs directly through Victory Wood, allowing access for bikes, pedestrians and pushchairs.

Horse riders are also able to use the route, though despite being open all year round, horses are restricted to the spring and summer months only. For the keen strollers, part of the Big Blean Walk passes through Victory Wood, giving access to the wider Blean complex.

Over the years, this spot has become a real hit with dog walkers who have raved online about its expansive open spaces perfect for a run around. One visitor commented on Google Reviews: “Nice dog friendly park with lots of friendly and lovely people. Open land for dogs to run free and enjoy themselves. Peaceful and quiet place for a walk with a pretty good view in the background.”

Another added: “Absolutely brilliant for dog walking; free, safe, enclosed and beautiful scenery. Could do with a few more benches for those unable to walk far.”

The woodland is open every day of the week, from 6am to 8.30pm Monday to Saturday, and then 6am to 8pm on Sundays.