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DARENTH VALLEY
LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK IS THE START OF THIS WONDERFUL WALK THROUGH THE DARENTH VALLEY . SITUATED ON THE RIVERBANK AND SURROUNDED BY ROLLING FIELDS , YOUR WALK BEGINS IN A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION . SEE THE VILLAGE OF SHOREHAM WITH ITS WONDERFUL STREAM – IT ’ S JUST PERFECT FOR HAVING A CHEEKY PADDLE . INTERESTING BUILDINGS AND A CHOICE OF PLACES TO EAT MAKE THIS AN IDEAL STOPPING POINT , BEFORE TAKING TO THE HILLS AND FOLLOWING THE VALLEY PATHWAYS THROUGH AN ENCHANTING LANDSCAPE OF WOODLAND , COUNTRY ROADS AND STUNNING VIEWS ACROSS THE FIELDS . YOU ’ LL PASS LULLINGSTONE ROMAN VILLA AND LULLINGSTONE CASTLE TOWARDS THE END OF YOUR WALK – IT ’ S A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND YOUR WALK INTO A DAY OUT !
From Lullingstone head out through the countryside , crossing open fields with trees waving in the breeze , you ’ ll pass by the wellknown Hop Shop , where you can stop and browse lavender products produced on the farm using lavender grown in the surrounding farmland .
Head along the riverbank towards Shoreham , the stream passing lazily alongside the path as you walk , then cross a charming footbridge and head into the village . From here you can explore the pretty village and find a place to eat . The Kings Arms pub is easily found on your route and turning right at the T-Junction will take you to a selection of village shops .
Passing Shoreham Aircraft Museum , turn right to head up a grassy bank sign posted to “ The Landway ” continuing uphill on a steep section of path , you will pass the Shoreham Cross War Memorial , cut in remembrance of the casualties of the First World War . Looking behind you , you will see superb views of Shoreham and beyond .
At the top of the valley past Meenfield Wood , stop to admire more fine views , then continue downhill along a wooded path until it brings you out into Shacklands Road . Follow a quiet country lane then follow the signs to Well Hill and Eynsford , before turning left into Cockerhurst Road which is lined with tall trees on each side – providing welcome shade on a hot day !
Continue along the road until you see a bungalow ; opposite this you will see public footpath sign which leads onto a small grassy track . Follow the track uphill and stop to admire more wonderful views at the top . The field next to the track is often used for grazing sheep , so look out for them too ! Head over a stile and cross a rugged field , the farmland around here is used for grazing animals , so you may well be sharing your walk with some of them . After the field you ’ ll head down a driveway into another quiet lane .
Shortly along the lane , you will see a stile , where you will cross a further field with the path narrowing past some farm buildings . From here you will enter Beechin Wood , and a wooden signpost signed “ Footpath 206 ” will be seen . Make your way through this shady woodland , home to several ancient trees and part of Lullingstone Country Park which brings you out on to a golf course . Cross the golf course with care and enter the next part of the woodland which leads to Lullingstone Golf Club . Follow the path through the car park and pick up the public footpath that is immediately past the entrance to the golf club .
Follow the path past houses and into open fields . You will pass through several kissing gates , passing wood sections and a vineyard before arriving at open farmland ; a row of leafy trees dominates the landscape and as
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