and distances
Distances quoted in the text, although taken directly from the OS map, are approximations only, but should be reasonably accurate. Please note that heights quoted on OS maps are given in metres, rather than in feet, and that grid lines are spaced 1km apart. The text in this book, however, gives both imperial and metric measurements.
Reckon on walking about 2–2½ miles/3–4km per hour, without prolonged stops, but bear in mind that your pace will be slower after wet weather when conditions may be heavy under foot. Allow extra time when accompanied by children or inexperienced walkers – or, indeed, when walking in a group.
You can find a range of walks, including those designated ‘easy access’, using the ‘Find a walk’ facility on the County Council’s website at www.explorekent.org/walking.
Public transport and car parking
It is not practical to give details of all bus and train services in Kent, since they may change within the period this guidebook is in print. However, an indication of some routes is provided in the information panel at the head of specific walk details.
For rail information, including times and fares, either enquire at your local railway station, telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or look on the internet – www.nationalrail.co.uk.
For bus services, call Travel-line 0870 608 2608.
If you must use your own transport and are in doubt how to find the start of a walk by road, head to www.google.co.uk/maps and enter your current location and the name of the town or village where the walk begins. A map and written instructions of your journey will appear, which can be printed off, or used as a satnav on the journey if you have a smartphone.
At the head of each walk description in this book, the location and grid reference of a parking facility (where known) is given. However, where there is no official parking area, please park sensibly and with consideration for local residents, and leave access for farm vehicles and so on. If parking near a church, please avoid service times. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle, and be sure to lock your car before setting out on your walk.
On the lane to Crockham Hill the walk passes the lovely garden at Close Farm (Walk 4)
THE COUNTRY CODE
Respect other people:
consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available
Protect the natural environment:
leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home
keep dogs under effective control
Enjoy the outdoors:
plan ahead and be prepared
follow advice and local signs
It was Octavia Hill, that indomitable Victorian champion of the countryside and co-founder of the National Trust, whose prescient words sum up the spirit of the Country Code:
Let the grass growing for hay be respected, let the primrose roots be left in their loveliness in the hedges, the birds unmolested and the gates shut. If those who frequented country places would consider those who live there, they would better deserve, and more often retain, the rights and privileges they enjoy.
THE WALKS
Leaving Ridley the way cuts across fields (Walk 26)
WEST KENT AND THE WEALD
With the Darent Gap seen off to the right, the way descends to a lane above Shoreham (Walk 1)
From the Darent Valley which slices through the North Downs, to the low-lying pastures edging Romney Marsh, the countryside south of the M20 rewards the walker with a magnificently diverse set of landscapes. Only a small part of the North Downs is included, but the Kentish half of the Greensand Ridge is here in its entirety, as is the vast sweep of the Weald with its historic villages, orchards, hop gardens and vineyards, and numerous scenes of timeless beauty.
WALK 1
Lullingstone Park to Shoreham
| Start/Finish | Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre (TQ 526 638) |
| Distance | 6 miles/9.5km |
| Maps | OS Explorer 147 and 162 |
| Refreshments | Cafeteria at Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre; pubs in Shoreham |
| Access | Via Castle Road cutting southwest off A225 ½ mile/800 metres south of Eynsford railway bridge. Nearest railway stations: Eynsford and Shoreham. |
| Parking | Pay & display at the visitor centre |
Formerly a medieval deer park, Lullingstone Park provides a focus of outdoor recreation on the west flank of the Darent Valley between Shoreham and Eynsford. In addition to the ubiquitous golf course, there are woodland walks and views from open meadows, while the visitor centre on the Darent’s bank serves the public with refreshments, toilets, interpretive leaflets, walking guides and plenty of information on the area’s natural history.
Apart from the pleasures of the North Downs, there are many other features to this walk. First, a riverside stroll with views across a man-made lake to the Tudor manor house of Lullingstone Castle, then an opportunity to make a short diversion to inspect the remains of a Roman villa. There are handsome farmhouses and flint-walled cottages, an imposing mansion set in neat lawns, and a rather striking viaduct marching across the valley. Near the end of the walk, Shoreham has lots of interest and attractive scenes at almost every turn.
From the visitor centre entrance take the very pleasant streamside path among trees, with the Darent on your right. Beyond the stream can be seen an extensive lake that extends as far as the red-brick mansion of Lullingstone Castle.
Lullingstone Castle is a Tudor mansion with a red brick Queen Anne facade set within 120 acres of countryside. Home to the same family since 1497, it has a 15-acre lake and the UK’s first World Garden of Plants created by plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke. The house and gardens are open to the public on set days between April and September. For information see www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk.
