Sevenoaks National Trust Circular Part 1 (18 miles/Strenuous)

Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the Met Walkers website

A brisk walk around the Greensand Ridge to the east of Sevenoaks, and passing through four National Trust Sites - Old Soar Manor, Ightham Mote, One Tree Hill and Knole. Bring a packed lunch - the lunch stop itself will not be until 11 miles distance (where there will be a pub for drinks only), but there will be a couple of mini breaks at Ightham Mote (6.5 miles distance, where there is a toilet, cafe and if it is hot day, an ice cream stand!) and Old Soar Manor (9 miles distance, which is free to have a look around - it only takes a few minutes!). It will be quite a hilly walk with a total ascent of 732 metres. A few pubs to choose from at the end of the walk.

Though the walk passes through National Trust sites, the entire walk does take place on public footpaths and bridleways, so no membership required, but anyone who does have one, please bring your card to scan at the machines at Ightham Mote - seems only fair in exchange for us using their toilet!

Travel: Take the 9:45 from London Charing Cross (Waterloo East: 9:48, London Bridge: 9:54), arrive at Sevenoaks at 10:18. Buy a return to Sevenoaks.

For anyone travelling from within the London zones, contactless can be used to Sevenoaks, but it cannot be used with a network rail card discount (as far as I am aware). Meet just inside the main entrance of Sevenoaks station - just past the ticket offices.

Grading: Strenuous.
For an explanation of the gradings, please see the FAQ - please consider both the length and grade when choosing a walk.

Finish point: Sevenoaks Station
More info: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/sevenoaks-national-trust-circular-part-1