The Four Castles Trail | Free Hike 25km (16mi) [Optional 29km]

GRADE 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5
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📖SUMMARY:
25km (~16mi) [Optional 29km (18mi) | Ascent: 461m | Max Elevation 108m
🚨Depending on the group's pace and the weather on the day, we may extend the route to around 29km. Nothing's locked-in, we'll make the call together as we go.
🚊Train:
1- Outbound: Single Ticket London Bridge ➡️ Hever
2- Inbound: Single Ticket Tonbridge ➡️ London Bridge
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Bridge station Ticket Office | 08:40 (Train is at 09:07)
2- Hever outside train station | 09:50
⚠️This is a Point-to-Point (not circular) Hike
🏁Hike start: Hever train station | 10:00
🔚Hike finish: Tonbridge| approx. ~17:30
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🚊TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:
I would recommend you get:

• 1️⃣ Outbound: Single Ticket London Bridge 09:07 ➡️ 09:49 Hever with a Network Railcard is £8 (instead of £12.10).
• 2️⃣ Inbound: Single Ticket Tonbridge ➡️ London Bridge with a Network Railcard is £7.30

⚠️ I would suggest buying your return ticket last minute, depending on our arrival time in Tonbridge ⚠️
💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people.
ℹ️ Visit National Rail for details
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📕ABOUT:

• Step into classic Kent countryside on this scenic point-to-point adventure from Hever to Tonbridge, where medieval history and peaceful nature blend beautifully. We begin at the storybook setting of Hever Castle, famously linked to Anne Boleyn, then weave through a landscape of rolling fields, woodland edges, and timeless footpaths as we head towards one of England’s most perfectly preserved villages.
• Along the way we’ll pass through Chiddingstone — all Tudor charm, old-world cottages, and village greens — then pause by the mysterious Chiding Stone, a weathered sandstone rock wrapped in local legend. From there, the route continues towards the grandeur of Penshurst Place, a remarkable 14th-century manor surrounded by magnificent gardens and heritage scenery.
• The final stretch is pure calm: we join the River Medway, following tranquil waterside paths as the countryside gradually opens into Tonbridge. We finish in style at Tonbridge Castle, an impressive Norman stronghold and the perfect end point for a day of history, views, and good company.

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⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hever Castle: Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, surrounded by stunning grounds.
• Chiddingstone Village & Castle: one of the best preserved Tudor villages in Kent.
• The Chiding Stone: Historic sandstone rock with centuries of folklore.
• Penshurst Place: 14th Century manor house with magnificent gardens.
• River Medway Trail: Peaceful riverside walking leading us into Tonbridge.
• Tonbridge Castle: we’ll finish at the gates of this impressive Norman stronghold.

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💷COST: Free
This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• 1-2L Water
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen)
• Optional: trekking poles, camera

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✅WHO CAN JOIN:
• ‍‍ Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over.
• For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children.
• We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes.
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🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:
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.
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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.