Bridge and Pett Bottom

***Bridge and Pett Bottom***
Map = Explorer 150 and 138 Start = Bridge, St Peters church Terrain = Wood, field and Orchard tracks Distance = 7 mls (9 kms) Walking time = 3.5 hours Suitable for = All Nearest Town = Canterbury Refreshments @ Bridge and Pett Bottom Last walked = 17th October 2000	The Duck Inn @ Pett Bottom

***Place names and grid references***
Bridge (St Peters Church)	184541	Bishopsbourne (St Mary's Church)	188526	Mill House	169509
Pheasants Hill road	178506	Lower Hardres (St Mary's church)	152531	Whitehill Cottages	153530
Gorsely House	166513	Duck Inn	161521	Middle Pett Farm	167534
Cooks Farm	154520			Clay Court	149523

Walk Information

BridgeThe village of Bridge stands on the route of the Roman road which runs from Canterbury to Dover (next to the A2). The village has formed a crossing point (Bridge) over the Nail Bourne which has been in existence since Roman times. The Bridge is not visible today, all that one can see is a hump in the road between the White Horse Inn and the Plough and Harrow Inn.

Nail Bourne
It is hard to believe that in medieval times, the Nail Bourne was a navigable waterway providing access to the sea! Today it hardly holds much water and in times of drought parts of it become no more than a grass ditch. During December 2000 it has been in full flow and has flooded in some areas due to the exceptional amount of rainfall in Kent since September 2000.

Bourne Park

The Nail Bourne runs past the front of the Queen Anne mansion which was built in 1702. During the 19th century it was the home of the Bell family, they created the parkland, lake and weir.

Bourne House and Park


Bridge to Pett Bottom	Map overlay	Pett Bottom to Bridge