DAYSOUT
Follow the yellow footpath signs across the orchard and take the gap in the trees ahead before bearing right, then bear left to head straight across the field and through the middle of a narrow avenue of oak trees.
Look out for wonderful views of Foal Hurst Woods. In the spring there are primroses, early purple orchids and carpets of bluebells covering the woodland.
Turn right onto the track then after the oast house turn left. The path turns left between the fence and tree line, turn left at the oast house and follow the lane. Cross the main road and continue straight ahead until the lane bears left, then take the footpath ahead on your right. Go straight on between the trees and the hedgerow and follow this path towards Brenchley.
Just before another oast house you’ ll see a waymarker in the orchard. Turn left and follow the path down through the orchard and over the stile then follow the footpath signs downhill.
After a moat on your right, follow the path as it bears left. At Chantler’ s Hill turn right and follow the lane until you reach Mascall’ s Court Road, then turn right and follow the lane up to Mascall’ s Court Farm.
Just after the bend and the oast houses of Mascall’ s Court, turn left to follow the footpath. At the large green farm building turn right and with the orchards on your right continue to follow the path.
Cross over the stile at the bottom of the field onto Church Road, turn left and follow Church Road back to the train station.
You’ ll pass Paddock Wood cemetery on the way – it is here where the headstone of Charles Dickens’ daughter Dorothy can be seen. A little further along near the station you’ ll see the John Brunt VC pub. Originally called the Kent
Arms, the name was changed to honour local World War II hero John Brunt, lost in action, who was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Enjoy the arrival of early spring and explore this walk that combines food, stunning views and Kentish heritage! What’ s not to like? LOCATION: PADDOCK WOOD, TN12 6ER DISTANCE: 5.3 MILES( 8.53 KM) CIRCULAR TIME: ALLOW 2 – 2.5 HOURS OS EXPLORER MAPS: 148
TERRAIN: SOME WALKING THROUGH TOWN IS REQUIRED. SOME PATHS CAN BECOME MUDDY. THERE ARE FOUR STILES THROUGH THE ORCHARDS AND SOME GATES.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: THE WALK STARTS AT THE RAILWAY STATION AT PADDOCK WOOD. FOR OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT DIRECTIONS PLEASE VISIT WWW. KENTCONNECTED. ORG.
PARKING: PARKING AT PADDOCK WOOD TRAIN STATION
REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: JOHN BRUNT VC PUB ON CHURCH ROAD, VARIETY OF CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS NEAR TO THE STATION.
EXPLORE MORE
To find out about other walks in Kent including our literary walks, please visit the Explore Kent website www. explorekent. org. Follow @ explorekent on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and share your adventures with us!
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