TOUGH HIKE 26km The Hills and Valleys of the North Downs Kent

Join us in this picturesque exploration of the North Downs and the gorgeous Kent countryside as we show you why Kent is known as the "Garden of England".

This hike takes us on a hilly trail through magnificent rolling uplands, dry valleys and shady woodlands using the ancient routes of the Weald Way, the Pilgrims Way and the North Downs Way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through picturesque parts of the Pilgrims, North Downs and Weald Ways to discover a stunning part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• See the remains of the ancient village of Dode wiped out by the plague long ago but with its 1000 year old church still remaining
• See the long barrow of Coldrum Stones - 1000 years older than Stonehenge
• Hike through the spectacular Cobham Woods and the ancient Deer Park home to the Darnley Mausoleum
• Visit Cobham with its links to Charles Dickens and its historic buildings such as Cobham College - the quadrangular building retaining the remains of the original foundations of the college built by Sir John de Cobham in 1362
• Pass by Luddesdown Court - with its Grade I listed church and manor building with oak beam hall and stone dressing

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our journey begins at Sole Street from where we go through vast rolling fields passing Luddesdown Court. Following the Weald Way, we pass through the lost village of Dode dating from Roman times but wiped out by the great plague leaving just the 1000 year old Norman Church building (and legend has it ghosts too).

Passing tranquil shady woods along the Weald Way, we hike to the long barrow of Coldrum Stones constructed during Britain's Early Neolithic period and whose name means "place of enchantments". It is one of the earliest prehistoric monuments in Britain - more than 1000 years older than Stonehenge and offers stunning views from its top.

Next we head along the ancient Pilgrims Way to the top of the North Downs escarpment to have lunch. Crossing through more than eight different woods, we reach Upper Bush - a beautiful hamlet. Much of this section of the hike goes through very peaceful countryside with a remote feeling making you believe you are far away from anywhere!

Following another ascent, we reach the gorgeous Cobham Woods which is an old deer park containing the impressive Darnley Mausoleum. From here we eventually reach the beautiful and historic village of Cobham which has a 13th century church with some of the finest and oldest brass memorials in England. Here we will stop to rest a while at one of the village's three pubs - a medieval timber framed pub that was a favorite of Charles Dickens. After our well deserved drink we head off through orchards back to Sole Street for the return train home.

MEETING POINT

Victoria station 8:15am, leave at 8:35am for the 8:48am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 7:18pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - KEVIN 07918 329854 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 16 miles (26km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 540m
Hiking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• Due to the early sunsets if doing this hike in winter it could finish around sunset, so bringing a torch is advisable or a charged mobile phone with flashlight just in case
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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