Kit's Coty House & Little Kit's Coty

Kit's Coty House and Little Kit's Coty are the remains of two megalithic monuments, hidden in plain sight on the North Downs between Rochester and Maidstone.

Nearly 6,000 years old, Kit's Coty House was built by some of Britain's earliest farming communities. What remains today is the stone burial chamber: three enormous upright sarsen stones supporting a large capstone. Originally, the chamber formed part of a much larger long barrow, around 80 metres in length, which has mostly disappeared from the landscape.

Getting here is part of the experience. We began near the Robin Hood pub at Blue Bell Hill, taking a longer route through woodland via a public path, rather than following the main road. The path leads deeper into the woods before opening out over the far-reaching views from Blue Bell Hill, across the Medway Valley.

Eventually, modern infrastructure interrupts. For a short stretch, the walking route meets the busy A229 before leaving it behind again and heading towards the monument.

Kit's Coty appears rather small in the distance, standing alone in an enormous field beneath the expanse of open sky. It's when you draw closer that its size is understood. There is something quietly imposing about these huge stones, and a certain respect settles over the visitors who make the journey to see them.

The stones have attracted people for centuries. Names and dates remain etched into the sarsen, including those left by Victorians. Concern about damage eventually led to Kit's Coty becoming one of Britain's first legally protected ancient monuments in 1885. The black railings installed soon afterwards still surround it today.

Incidentally, Kit's Coty inspired part of Clive King's 1963 children's classic Stig of the Dump. Near the end of the story, Barney and his sister slip back into Stig's prehistoric world, where they witness the raising of the enormous capstone — the monument imagined as Kit's Coty House.

If feeling adventurous, Little Kit's Coty is roughly a 15-minute walk away. Also known as the Countless Stones, the monument is quite different: a jumble of around 20 enormous sarsens, pulled apart centuries ago. Reaching it involves crossing busy roads, so care is needed.

This is not a quick sightseeing stop. It's a long walk to a remarkable destination. Allow time. Go slowly. The reward is as much the journey through the North Downs as the stones themselves.

There is a quiet strength to Kit's Coty. Nearly six millennia later, beside roads carrying thousands of people through Kent, it is still here - under the same open sky.

Good to know: There are no facilities at either site. If taking the public path through the woodland, expect steep and uneven terrain in places. Take water and wear proper walking shoes; in summer, brambles can encroach paths.

Dogs will love the walk, but the public paths are also used by horse riders, so be prepared to use a lead.

While you're here: We began and ended our walk at the Robin Hood at Blue Bell Hill. This atmospheric old pub makes a welcome stop for a pint or something to eat after the walk, with a large garden for finer days. Check opening times before setting out.