DAYSOUT
EXPLORE THE PRETTY
DARENTH VALLEY
LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK IS THE START OF THIS WONDERFUL WALK THROUGH THE DARENTH VALLEY. SITUATED ON THE RIVERBANK AND SURROUNDED BY ROLLING FIELDS, YOUR WALK BEGINS IN A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION. SEE THE VILLAGE OF SHOREHAM WITH ITS WONDERFUL STREAM – IT’ S JUST PERFECT FOR HAVING A CHEEKY PADDLE. INTERESTING BUILDINGS AND A CHOICE OF PLACES TO EAT MAKE THIS AN IDEAL STOPPING POINT, BEFORE TAKING TO THE HILLS AND FOLLOWING THE VALLEY PATHWAYS THROUGH AN ENCHANTING LANDSCAPE OF WOODLAND, COUNTRY ROADS AND STUNNING VIEWS ACROSS THE FIELDS. YOU’ LL PASS LULLINGSTONE ROMAN VILLA AND LULLINGSTONE CASTLE TOWARDS THE END OF YOUR WALK – IT’ S A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND YOUR WALK INTO A DAY OUT!
From Lullingstone head out through the countryside, crossing open fields with trees waving in the breeze, you’ ll pass by the wellknown Hop Shop, where you can stop and browse lavender products produced on the farm using lavender grown in the surrounding farmland.
Head along the riverbank towards Shoreham, the stream passing lazily alongside the path as you walk, then cross a charming footbridge and head into the village. From here you can explore the pretty village and find a place to eat. The Kings Arms pub is easily found on your route and turning right at the T-Junction will take you to a selection of village shops.
Passing Shoreham Aircraft Museum, turn right to head up a grassy bank sign posted to“ The Landway” continuing uphill on a steep section of path, you will pass the Shoreham Cross War Memorial, cut in remembrance of the casualties of the First World War. Looking behind you, you will see superb views of Shoreham and beyond.
At the top of the valley past Meenfield Wood, stop to admire more fine views, then continue downhill along a wooded path until it brings you out into Shacklands Road. Follow a quiet country lane then follow the signs to Well Hill and Eynsford, before turning left into Cockerhurst Road which is lined with tall trees on each side – providing welcome shade on a hot day!
Continue along the road until you see a bungalow; opposite this you will see public footpath sign which leads onto a small grassy track. Follow the track uphill and stop to admire more wonderful views at the top. The field next to the track is often used for grazing sheep, so look out for them too! Head over a stile and cross a rugged field, the farmland around here is used for grazing animals, so you may well be sharing your walk with some of them. After the field you’ ll head down a driveway into another quiet lane.
Shortly along the lane, you will see a stile, where you will cross a further field with the path narrowing past some farm buildings. From here you will enter Beechin Wood, and a wooden signpost signed“ Footpath 206” will be seen. Make your way through this shady woodland, home to several ancient trees and part of Lullingstone Country Park which brings you out on to a golf course. Cross the golf course with care and enter the next part of the woodland which leads to Lullingstone Golf Club. Follow the path through the car park and pick up the public footpath that is immediately past the entrance to the golf club.
Follow the path past houses and into open fields. You will pass through several kissing gates, passing wood sections and a vineyard before arriving at open farmland; a row of leafy trees dominates the landscape and as
52