Kent 9 Miler - Easter Saturday - Lullingstone Castle and the River Darent

Join us for a beautiful nine mile hike through the Kent countryside. Our journey takes us to Eynsford on the River Darent. Along the way we enjoy hills, riversides, woods, fields, a lunch time pub stop and even a castle!

We will stop for a picnic lunch in the village of Shoreham where there is a pub if you want a drink or a chance to look round the Church of St Peter and St Paul, if you don't.

After lunch, and with the hills behind us, we continue through woods and Lullingstone Park before walking along the river bank to the castle. We then head under the viaduct and over the river to the finish. Highlights of this trip include the UK's smallest listed building - the duck house at Otford, Lullingstone Castle - birthplace of lawn tennis, and of course the tranquil Darent flowing through the Garden of England. At the end of the walk and before the train home there will be a chance to go for a meal and a beer in a local pub. Those in a hurry can head straight to the nearby station, and the trains back to London, which run twice per hour. I can't be certain of our finish time as it depends on the speed of the group, probably best not to make too many plans for later and just enjoy the day.

More Details:

Meet from 10:00 at London Charing Cross Railway Station. Tom will be stood by the ticket office inside the building. We will travel on the 10:29 train to Otford so you must give yourself time to purchase a ticket. Tom will be wearing his Explorer UK green hoodie.

If you want to make your own way to Otford then please arrive before our train which is due in at 11:07.

We will have a picnic lunch so make sure you buy a sandwich or bring a pack-up. There is a pub where we will be booked in for food at the end. Also remember you need water to drink and a waterproof in case it rains. There are toilets at the start, middle and finish on this walk.

Cost:

The cost for this trip is £5 (non-refundable). You will also have to buy your return rail ticket from London Charing Cross to Otford (which should also be valid for the return leg from Eynsford). The cost of a return ticket is currently £16.80 but this comes down to about £10 if you get a group save with other Explorers or are using a rail card.

Thing To Bring:

Picnic lunch, water, your camera, some money for food and drink if you would like to stop in the pub at the end.

Things to wear:

You must wear sensible clothing/footwear for a hike.

RISK NOTICE:

Please note there are risks associated with all outdoor activity, we will lead the group around the route but are not responsible for your personal welfare or safety. This is a nine mile hike and although we are not one of the fast groups we ask that you are reasonably fit and have suitable clothing and footwear for the walk. The terrain may be uneven or slippery and therefore fashion boots, shoes or boots with heels, smooth leather soles, fashion trainers or plimsoles are NOT suitable. (This list is not exhaustive). You should be capable of walking at 2.5 miles per hour and in general seek to stay with the main group. Also please avoid doing anything that would put you or other members of the group in danger. If you have a pre-existing medical condition please seek appropriate medical advice before joining and ensure you have brought any personal medication. If bringing a guest please ensure that they have read this notice and walk description before they agree to come. This walk is not suitable for children or pet dogs.

I will post a weather forecast the night before and might hand you an Easter Egg at the start.

Hope you can come

Tom