Hike to Charles Darwins Country House! + Downe and the Meadows of Cudham!

This is a 9 mile aprox hike straight out from Zone 6 into the Kent countryside, it’s around an hour away from London and accessible within the travel card pre pay zones. This area is one of the South East's most beautiful spots.

Cuckoo wood which we pass through is known for it's ancient woodland, and we visit the outside of the house of Charles Darwin's House (Downe House) and take lunch at the Queens Head - a historic pub, and Darwin's local where he perused his theory's after returning from the Voyage of the Beagle in 1836!

It's in this village of Downe, Darwin developed his (then scandalous!) theory of natural selection, and furthered his theory after five years sailing, he continued studying the huge range of species in this local area. In particular he looked at the orchids and their pollinators, the area is now being proposed as a world heritage site. We pass back through open meadows, fields, more woodland and Foxberry Wood, and to a lovely pub to finish for a well earned beer stop/food stop.

Cost:
£5.00

Meeting Point 1:
10.50am
Charring Cross Overland Station, at the Cornish Pasty Stall. We are going to Travelcard Zone 6, which is available on the pay as you go scheme. From Orpington we will also get a bus (13 mins) to Green Street Green.

Meeting point 2: Outside Orpington Station, (no waiting for latecomers at meeting point 2).
11.40 am.

Meeting Point 3: Outside The Queens Head Pub, 73 High Street, Green Street Green, Orpington, BR6 6BQ. (No waiting for latecomers at meeting point 3).
12.00 mid day aprox

Distance: 9 miles (linear +elevation) we can expect around 1 - 1.5 additional mile of measurement/meandering variation.
Walking Time: 4 hrs aprox (excluding lunch break)
Difficulty: 7/10 Moderate, some hills. If it has been raining, expect mud!

This hike is designed so that most fit people can take part however your fitness level must be such that you can run 100m for a bus in order to join this event!

Darwins House itself is a modest sized Victorian villa, we will stop to have a look at the outside, we will not be going inside. If you want to visit it by yourself you can do this during the lunchbreak, (there is an entry charge, google English Heritage Downe House Entry).

Things to bring
Water! - At least 1 litre
Money for pub
Sandwiches for lunch/munchies, the pub may be serving food, but will be unlikely to be able to serve us all at once.
Sunscreen if in forecast
Rain jacket if in forecast
Wear layers and walking shoes/boots.

Return time: There is no specified return time. At the end of the hike we will aim to get back to the pub around 18.00-18.30, this is hiking so variations may happen.

You will not be able to make it back to London in time for any evening plans, if you have evening plans please come to a different event.

DOGS: Well behaved owners and dogs that like other dogs are welcome. You will need to keep your dog on a lead at the leaders request, which will be through fields with cattle and near roads.
Important:

Plan your Journey to this MeetUp here: TFL Journey Planner http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

Worried about coming on your own? More on walking pace, and questions about distance, footwear, weather, return train times or safety? Refer to our frequently asked questions here: http://tiny.cc/btvouz

On our paid events you will be required to fill in a next of kin form, if you don't want to do this we are unable to take you on the event.

We're looking for (paid) pro/amateur guides, if you can use outdooractive/viewranger and have led groups, please get in touch, e mail Catherine directly via her profile.

PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK YOUR E MAIL AND THIS WEB SITE FOR ANY UPDATES BEFORE LEAVING FOR EACH EVENT.

Quns Hd Grnstgrnres req 18.00