insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 82
DAYSOUT
Horton Kirby Walk
This relaxing walk takes you along one of the most picturesque stretches of
the River Darent, following the banks of the river through fields and copses.
An easy walk with gentle slopes makes this an ideal family day out.
Leave the car park and go through the gate to
follow the waymarked route to the swirling river.
Follow the tree-lined banks until you reach the
road. Turn left and cross over the road to join
the path running alongside the well-kept village
cricket field and Franks Hall, an impressive
redbrick Tudor mansion set in substantial grounds,
with a historical reference to suggest Queen
Elizabeth I may have stayed here in the late 16th
century.
This section of the Darent Valley has always been
an important transport corridor due to the
widening valley where the Downs begin to level
out, and cars and lorries are clearly visible on the
skyline.
Ponies graze in the open fields and sheep can
be spotted on the hillside before you rejoin the
river and pass under the M20. From here, head
towards Farningham via the A20. Pop into The
Lion Hotel – a popular haunt with keen anglers
including the writer Charles Dickens – where you
can sit and enjoy views across the river.
Farningham House (opposite the Pied Bull public
house) to follow the path back across the fields
and along to the banks of the river.
The village flourished in the 18th century when
it was regarded an important overnight stop on
the c oach road from London to the coast. Today,
its fine inns are still popular destinations with both
visitors and local residents.
The yellow breasts of grey wagtails are regularly
seen along this stretch of the river and numerous
holes in the banks provide homes for small
creatures including water voles. Meanwhile, wrens
can be spotted foraging around the base of many
trees that line the river and treecreepers circle
up the ivy-clad trunks. Before you head home,
try the award-winning Fighting Cocks riverside
pub and warm up with some comfort food and
a cup of tea or pint in the beer garden.
Across the road from the Lion Hotel stands one
of the finest mills in the valley, while a glance up
the winding main street of Farningham reveals
picture-book village shops, and traditional Kentish
weatherboard and flint-faced cottages.
Cross over the town bridge and past the site of
a former castle and medieval fairs – now Market
Meadow, a village open space. Continue up to
the main street with its well-preserved stately
Georgian houses, and turn left just after
82
Cross straight over the road to return to Horton
Kirby on the eastern side of the river, and follow
the path over the bridge and across the weir to
the car park.