insideKENT Magazine Issue 43 - October 2015 | Page 116

DAYSOUT Edenbridge Walk – Quaint hamlets, serene woodlands and great pubs Set in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this walk is quintessentially Kentish. As you wander through enchanting ancient woodlands to reveal stunning views of the Weald, you’ll encounter quaint hamlets and historic manors on this fantastic Kentish walk. Beginning in the Marlpitt Hill area of the town, this lovely walk leads you out through the countryside to Broxham Wood, before returning along field paths. The route passes a restored moat that marks the spot where Broxham Manor stood in the 13th century. The manor was rebuilt and now stands opposite the moat, after twice being damaged in fires. You’ll start from Swan Lane and follow the footpath past Marlpit Hill Allotments. Continue through farm buildings to a metal gate and then go through another immediately afterwards. Head for another metal gate at end of field and bear right towards a bridge and then a stile; cross the stile and turn left to follow the path to the far left corner then follow the right hand edge of field, heading for white house to stile at end of hedge line. Edenbridge grew up at the Roman crossing point of one of the River Medway’s key tributaries, the River Eden, and is on the upper plain of the River Medway. Cross the stile and follow the path along to the gate. Pass through the gate and continue along the road. Turn right and head uphill on the road for 30 metres before turning right onto a footpath just past Coakham Lodge Farm. Immediately after passing a bungalow cross the stile on the left, and head for a stile in bottom right corner of field. Continue ahead through a metal, mesh gate into a field – often containing a deer herd. Keep the trees to your left and continue ahead until you reach a footbridge on the left. Cross the bridge and continue to another metal gate ahead. Continue ahead, along the edge of the wood until you come to a footbridge on your left. Cross the bridge and follow the path through the woods to another footbridge. Cross the bridge and turn left. Follow the hedge line to the bottom corner of the field and then turn right to follow a fence line to a gate. Turn left through the gate and walk down a gravel drive. On your left you will pass a restored moat, which marks the former site of Broxham Manor during the 13th century. After passing the moat, turn right and then left to cross a stile. Turn right to follow the fence line towards the stile and gate. Cross the stile and bear left to cross the field to the gate. Turn right through the gate and head for the gap in the hedge. Pass through the gap and continue straight across the field to enter wooded area. Cross footbridge to another gate. Go through the gate and continue straight ahead, with trees lined to your left. Follow the path, bearing right to the stile and footbridge you crossed earlier. Head back along Swan Lane and check out The Swan for a nice spot of lunch, a pint or a hot chocolate in front of the fire for when the colder weather sets in! Location: Edenbridge TN8 6AL Distance: 3 miles (4.83 km) Time: Allow 2 hours OS Explorer Map: 147 Terrain: Country lanes and woodland tracks Parking: Edenbridge town centre and train station Refreshments & facilities: There are a range of pubs and teashops as well as a few public conveniences in Edenbridge To find out about other walks in Kent or )