More than 150 people turned up at the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie on Sunday morning to help launch and new series of Shepherd Neame pub walks.
Five guides have been written, detailing walks between four and six miles in length which take in a wide variety of terrains and environments, along with some of Kent’s most beautiful coast and countryside.
They all start and finish at a Shepherd Neame pub: The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie, near Birchington; The Carpenters Arms, in Eastling; White Horse Inn, in Boughton-under-Blean; The White Lion, in Selling; and New Flying Horse, in Wye.
Shepherd Neame’s head of marketing, brands, and communication, Joanna Richardson, said: “Our Kentish heartland is blessed with some of Britain’s most breathtaking countryside, and this initiative is aimed at encouraging more people to get out and explore it. We hope that individuals, families, and friends of all ages will enjoy joining Shepherd Neame on this new adventure.”
Shepherd Neame commissioned local expert Lisa Filmer, who lives just outside Faversham, to write the walks. She is the founder of Coast and Country Rambles, which offers bespoke self-guided walking holidays in Kent.
‘Despite the muddy conditions, everyone really enjoyed themselves’
She said: “I was delighted to be approached to put these routes together for Shepherd Neame. I have lived in Kent all my life, so I had a lot of personal knowledge to draw upon as I have spent many years walking around the county, and getting to know the pubs, too, of course.”
Lisa, accompanied by her dog, Bella, led the walk from the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie on Sunday. Keen ramblers came from across the county, with some even travelling down from London to take part.
The first 100 people to arrive at the pub were given a limited edition, re-usable Shepherd Neame coffee cup. The group then set off on the five-mile circular route, which offers breathtaking sea views and also moves inland to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Joanna added: “We were delighted by the fantastic turnout for the launch of our new walks series. Despite the muddy conditions, everyone really enjoyed themselves and there was a fantastic sense of community spirit, with all ages coming together to ensure everyone got safely back to the pub! We would like to thank all those who came along to support us, and we will definitely look at arranging more of these events in the future.”
The Pub Walk guides are available to pick up at each pub and download from the walks page on the Shepherd Neame website. Find out more at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/walks, and follow Shepherd Neame on social media. To share your walk experiences online use #ShepsWalks.
