DAYSOUT
LULLINGSTONE cont.
LOCATION: LULLINGSTONE, DA4 0JF DISTANCE: 6.5 MILES( 10.46 KM) CIRCULAR TIME: ALLOW UP TO 3 HOURS OS EXPLORER MAP: 147
TERRAIN: FIELD AND WOODLAND PATHS WITH SOME STEEP SLOPES, SOME PATHS MAY BE MUDDY.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT DIRECTIONS TO LULLINGSTONE FROM YOUR HOME ADDRESS, PLEASE VISIT WWW. KENTCONNECTED. ORG.
PARKING: THERE IS A PAY AND DISPLAY CAR PARK AT LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE
REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: THERE IS A CAFÉ AT LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK, A PUB AND SMALL CAFÉ IN SHOREHAM AND VILLAGE SHOPS.
Climb over the stile ahead and continue following the path along the field edge towards some overhead power lines. When you reach the edge of the field you’ ll see a narrow enclosed path that goes around the back of residential gardens, at the end of the path, bear right taking the surfaced driveway to the road, passing a bungalow.
At the end of the driveway, turn left onto another country road. Look out for steps and a stile on your right a short distance ahead. Cross the stile into a meadow and follow the path to another stile straight ahead which will take you along a narrow path, then cross another stile into Beechen Wood. You’ ll now be back in Lullingstone Country Park!
Follow the path straight on – it will be indicated by Footpath Number 206. Follow the track through the woodland before coming to a golf fairway. Cross the fairway carefully looking both ways before you cross into more woodland, and you come out from the trees to a surfaced path.
Heading towards the car park follow the signs for Footpath 216 / Park Gate car park. Walk through the car park towards the exit then immediately after the exit turn right along the well surfaced path where you’ ll pass farm buildings on your right.
Follow the track which will take you through several fields. A while later you’ ll arrive in a large field with tall trees on your left in the distance. Walk towards these trees and you’ ll soon be able to make out the magnificent Lullingstone Castle in the distance.
Look out for a gap in the trees on the left and follow signposts through gap onto another path. As the well-marked but narrow path continues downhill, there are some good views of Eynsford Viaduct on the left. Take the time to admire the views of the valley. At the bottom, go down steps to a road.
You’ re now nearing the end of your walk; turn right at the bottom of the steps and continue along the road. You’ ll soon pass Lullingstone Castle on your left. Look out for the small car park on your right and head through the car park to the footpath ahead which brings you out on the riverside.
Follow the path along the side of the river, looking out for Lullingstone Visitor Centre coming up on your right( you’ ll see the playground first), and head up from the path into the carpark where your walk concludes. If you haven’ t done so already give the lovely café at Lullingstone Country Park a go before you leave. You’ ll be left feeling refreshed and energised on this wonderful winter walk with views that you’ ll remember for a lifetime.
EXPLORE MORE
To find out about other walks in Kent including our # GoOutside campaign, please visit the Explore Kent website www. explorekent. org. Follow @ explorekent on Twitter and Facebook and share your experiences with us!
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