LAVENDER BEGINNERS HIKE 15km Castles of Kent, Lullingstone Park & Darent Valley

This is one of our large group hikes - more people, more social, more fun.

This is our standard hike, but at this time of year the lavender is typically out, so we will go past a lavender field (please note, we go past it, not into it). This is a one off hike, this is the only day in 2025 that we are hosting it

We venture to Kent again and this hike perfectly illustrates why it's known as the "Garden of England". We visit the village of Otford which dates back over 3000 years and two other villages. A delightful rural hike which amongst other things takes us past two castles – Eynsford Castle and Lullingstone Castle and along a stretch of the picturesque River Darent.

We hike the Darent Valley Path alongside the River Darent and through the tranquil Kent fields and ancient wood. The area’s beauty attracted the Romans to settle here and in 80 AD Lullingstone Villa was constructed for a wealthy Roman who was keen on pagan worship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pass the magnificent Lullingstone Castle
• Hike along a delightful stretch of the Darent Valley Path
• Pass the site of the ruins of Lullingstone Roman Villa with its pagan history
• Hike through the picturesque Lullingstone Country Park
• Visit the remains Eynsford Castle
• Explore 3 charming Kentish villages
• Hike through the 22 metre high Eynsford Rail Viaduct with its nine red brick arches

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We start from the picturesque village of Otford, occupied for at least 3000 years. Through the centuries Otford has been home to Iron Age farmers, Romans, Royalty and Archbishops. Our hike takes us through the tranquil woods and grasslands of the Kentish countryside reaching the quaint Shoreham town where the Darent Valley Path takes us to the magnificent Lullingstone Country Park. The park is internationally important due to its collection of ancient trees including beech, ash, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam some of which are believed to be 800 years old.

We reach Lullingstone Castle to admire its tranquil lake before we pass the historical Lullingstone Roman Villa - one of the few Roman estate survivals in Britain whose construction began in about 100 AD.

From there, our hike continues among the rolling fields of Kent which reward with views towards the 9 arched Eynsford Rail Viaduct. Reaching the tranquil village of Eynsford, we explore the remains of Eynsford Castle - a medieval fortification built in 1088 and we finish our hike with a stroll along the lovely village.

MEETING POINT

Victoria station 8:20am, leave at 8:40am for the 8:55am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:33pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (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 & INFO

Distance: 10 miles (15km)
Grading: Beginner
Ascent: 290m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Convenience Breaks (WC): Train, cafe at lunch stop, pub at end

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
• 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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