Palace & Castle Penhurst Circular Hike - Kent - 17km / Moderate - Challenging

Join us for a Scenic Kent Adventure! We'll explore peaceful countryside, ancient woodlands, and historic gems like Penshurst Place and Chiddingstone Castle on this beautiful 16.6 km circular walk. A perfect day out for fresh air, good company, and a touch of history.

Distance: 16.6 km
Grade: 2.5 – Moderate–Challenging
Total Ascent: 231 m
Time: 4 hrs 15 mins approx plus breaks
Start Time: 9:30 AM / End Time: 3:00 PM (Approx)
Start Location: Penhurst Station, Tonbridge TN11 8JE
Price: £12.50 (Plus Meetup booking fee) Or pay by CARD

The Hike:
A Scenic Journey Through Castles, Palaces & Woodland Paths. Step back in time on this varied and beautiful circular walk through one of Kent’s most historic corners.

Starting near the magnificent Penshurst Place – a 14th-century manor once home to King Henry VIII – we follow undulating countryside trails through orchards, woodland paths, hidden hamlets, and quiet lanes. Midway, we pass through the charming village of Chiddingstone, often referred to as one of the best-preserved Tudor villages in England. With its timber-framed houses, ancient pub, and fairytale atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to pause for a snack or coffee.

The route continues past Chiddingstone Castle, an impressive 19th-century building styled as a medieval castle, before winding its way through tranquil farmland and along peaceful riverside tracks. Expect lush greenery, wide views across the Kentish Weald, and a mix of terrain with a couple of short, steep hills adding a satisfying challenge.

Highlights:
- Penshurst Place & Estate
- Chiddingstone Village & Castle
- Beautiful Wealden landscapes
- Peaceful woodlands & riverside sections
- Tudor and medieval architecture

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation s not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.

Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.
Our events are advertised on other platforms, the number of "guest" booked on include attendees from other platforms. If the walk is full, you can join the website waiting list here

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.