FREE HIKE 20 km | Darent Valley Discovery - Villages, Views and Ancient History

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5, some gentle inclines
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📍 MEETING POINT: 10:10 Otford railway station, main entrance
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🚶 WALK STARTS: 10:15 Otford railway station, main entrance
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🏁 WALK FINISHES: Approximately 16:30 Eynsford railway station
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⚠️ DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: 20 km (approximately 12.5 miles)
• Difficulty: EASY TO MODERATE
• Ascent / Descent: 300 m up / 303 m down
• Highest / Lowest point: 244 m / 39 m
• Walking time: 5 hours
• Total time: Approximately 6 hours, including stops and breaks
• Pace: 5 to 5.5 km/h. Fast enough to keep warm and steady, yet relaxed enough for conversation. We will adjust as needed, with plenty of chances to enjoy the views and keep things sociable.

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🛑 IMPORTANT: This hike is best suited to intermediate hikers who are comfortable with sustained hill ascents and able to maintain a steady pace of around 5 to 5.5 km/h. Those new to hiking or unsure about the pace may find the terrain and elevation challenging, which could lead to separation from the group.
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🗻 TERRAIN: The route follows a varied mix of village paths, woodland trails, former golf course tracks, chalk hillside footpaths, and river valley walking. Underfoot conditions range from compacted earth and grass to chalky slopes, which can be slippery after rain, particularly on the climbs above Shoreham. Woodland sections may include tree roots and uneven ground, while open areas offer well-defined but sometimes exposed paths. There are steady ascents and descents throughout the day rather than prolonged flat sections. Sturdy walking footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions.
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📜 ABOUT: Join us for a lively countryside adventure packed with sweeping views, hidden history, and classic Kent character. We begin in the charming village of Otford, famous for its unique village pond shaped like a map of the world. From the very start, expect a friendly, social day out with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Leaving Otford, we climb gently into the peaceful woodlands of Otford Mount, following quiet trails through the former Austin Lodge Golf Club, which closed in 2024. As nature slowly reclaims the fairways, this area now feels like a secret green corridor waiting to be explored.

Our route then leads us into the picturesque village of Shoreham, known for its famous duck race on the River Darent each May. We stop here for lunch, with time to explore the village and enjoy a cosy pub if you wish.

After lunch, we head uphill for one of the day’s highlights, the Shoreham Memorial Cross, carved into the chalk hillside in 1920 to honour local men who lost their lives in the First World War. The views from above the village are well worth the climb.

From here, we wander through the tranquil landscapes of Lullingstone Country Park, enjoying a mix of woodland paths and open valley views along its peaceful walking trails. We pass by the Lullingstone Roman Villa museum along the way, offering a glimpse into the area’s deep Roman past.

As we continue, dramatic scenery awaits with views of the impressive Eynsford Viaduct, a striking 19th century railway structure that still carries trains overhead today.

Our journey ends in the postcard perfect village of Eynsford, where we explore the atmospheric ruins of Eynsford Castle, one of the best preserved Norman castles in Kent, still enclosed by its original defensive walls.

There is time at the end for optional pub visits before heading to Eynsford railway station and making our way home.
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🍔 LUNCH: Bring a packed lunch and snacks. We will stop in Shoreham, where there are pubs and cafés if you want to grab something.
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN: Adults aged 21 and over. No children. No pets.
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💰 COST: Free
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🚂 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
Buy a return ticket to Otford for £11.10 with a Network Railcard discount.

• 09:15 Meet at London Bridge main ticket office
• 09:30 Leave the meeting point and board the train
• 09:38 Train departs London Bridge towards Maidstone East
• 10:10 Arrive at Otford

Get off the train, cross over the bridge, and regroup outside the main entrance.
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↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:

• 16:35 From Eynsford, optional change at Swanley for London Bridge
• 17:05 From Eynsford towards Blackfriars

Check the timetable at the station on the day.
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🚗 🅿️ BY CAR: You can park at the Otford start location or the Eynsford end location.
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🚻 TOILETS: At the pub lunch stop. Nature breaks during the hike as needed.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproofs
• A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
• Sun protection
• Personal medication
• Basic first aid and blister plasters
• Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
• Fully charged phone
• Head torch
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
• Whistle for emergencies
• Some cash or a bank card

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📅 RSVP POLICY: RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
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👣 STAYING TOGETHER: A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. If you are unable to keep up with the group, you may be asked to navigate your own way back to safety, as it would be unreasonable to hold up a large number of people who have signed up for an event that is above your current fitness level.
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📞 CONTACT: Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER: By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
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🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.