What better way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather than with a walk through the Kent countryside?

May is National Walking Month, which aims to promote the benefits of walking to your physical and mental health. So, grab your trainers, pack a granola bar or two and head out on one of these bracing springtime walks this month…

CROMERS WOOD, Sittingbourne

Set off on a woodland ‘safari’ where you can spot the natural wildlife living in and around Cromers Wood. At this time of year, anemones, bluebells and orchids will be blossoming all over the place, while birds, butterflies and insects flock to the woods to make the most of the spring flowers. The three-hour walk can get muddy, so make sure you bring your walking boots.

Details: Saturday, May 11 from Cromers Wood in Milstead, near Sittingbourne, at 9am. Register online here.

MENTAL HEALTH WALK, Canterbury

Spring is the perfect time to reset and reframe your mind in time for those brighter, lighter summer months. Join counsellor and life coach Bethany Nightingale for a tranquil walk through Blean Woods, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a breath of fresh air. During the 8.5km walk, you will have a chance to talk to Bethany who will share some expert advice on how to improve your mental health.

Details: Thursday, May 16 from Blean Woods Car Park, near Canterbury, at 6pm. Register online here.

KENT CHARITY TREK, Chatham

This mammoth trek takes you on a journey through some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside spots, but you’ll need to be in for the long haul as the route is either 25km or 50km. Starting at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, you will pass Rochester Castle, the River Medway, the North Downs, Kit’s Coty, Thurnham Castle and White Horse Wood - depending on whether you take on the full route or give yourself a break at the halfway mark - before finishing at the stunning Eastwell Manor.

Details: Saturday, May 18 from the Historic Dockyard in Chatham at 6am. Register online.