Spring walks at Toys Hill

There's plenty of nature to be found on a walk to Toys Hill this spring, though our bluebells are what we're best known for, popping up around mid-April each year. To help steer you in the right direction we've listed our top bluebell walks for you below. There's plenty to see outside of bluebell season though with countless awe-inspiring views across the Weald of Kent and beyond.

New viewpoints providing a home for wildlife

Over the winter our rangers and volunteers have been busy clearing some of the trees around the woodland. This may sound counterproductive, but it’s the best thing we can do for our wildlife.

The richest habitat for wildlife isn’t solid woodland, but the woodland edges, openings and coppices. The vast majority of woodland critters live within a few metres of any opening.

This spring enjoy the viewpoints that were opened up over winter and keep an eye out for buzzing nature.

 

See for miles over the Weald of Kent from Toys Hill
View from the Octavia Hill well at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent
See for miles over the Weald of Kent from Toys Hill
Discover a bluebell paradise at Mariners Hill
Bluebells at Mariners Hill, part of the Chartwell estate belonging to the National Trust in Kent
Walking trail

Octavia Hill west walk to Mariners Hill 

Take this 3 1/3 hour walk to Mariners Hill and back and you won’t be disappointed this bluebell season. The woodland floor at Mariners is just teeming with English bluebells from mid-April.

Find bluebells galore at Mariners Hill
Chiltern Bluebells

Please help look after the bluebells 

'Bluebells are my most favourite sign of spring. They are beautiful yet so fragile. There's something really lovely about helping to protect them, because they do need our help' - Crispin Scott, Wildlife & Countryside Adviser.
By sticking to the paths you are protecting the native British bluebell so it will flower next year and for years to come.

Explore the bluebell woods at Emmetts Garden

The bluebells create a carpet of blue at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Octavia Hill East walk to Emmetts Garden 

This 4 mile walk takes you to the picturesque village of Ide Hill, where you'll find a commemorative seat to Octavia Hill, and passes Emmetts Garden on the way back.

Bluebells in the woodland at Emmetts Garden, Kent

Weardale circular walk from Emmetts Garden 

This 3 hour walk starts at Emmetts Garden, but can be picked up easily from Toys Hill. Just head to the Weardale Manor site (download our walks map for reference) and start from point 4 on this downloadable trail. The circular walk will take you through the Chartwell estate and round to Emmetts Garden where the woods are swathed in blue. Alternatively you can start at point 4 and work backwards along the trail, if you want to take a shorter walk.

Bluebells in bloom at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Top bluebell photography tips 

It’s important to avoid accidently damaging the plants with your camera equipment, your feet or even your canine companion’s paws. Here’s a top tip from volunteer photographer Hugh Mothersole – “By shooting from a low angle it’s easy to create the illusion that a person is sitting or standing amongst the bluebells when they are actually out of harm’s way on a footpath. Look for bends in the paths or junctions if you want flowers in the foreground as well as behind your subject”.

Did you know...

Every damaged bluebell takes 4-6 years to regrow

By sticking to the paths you can help preserve these fragile native flowers for years to come