Walk 1 : Lenham to Charing

Main walk:13.3km (8.3 miles). Four hours 15 minutes walking time. For the whole excursion including meals and trains, allow at least 7 hours

Short walk: 9km (5.6 miles), two hours 45 minutes walking time

OS Landranger Map 189 Explorer Map 137

3 out of 10

A large section of the walk is to the north side of the North Downs Way and passes along some little used footpaths, making for a tranquil walk. Its attractions include the pretty hamlet of Stalisfield Green for lunch and the historic village of Charing for tea. Some of the stiles along the route are poorly maintained and consequently this walk is not suitable for the less able walker. In summer the footpath across a couple of the rape seed fields can become very overgrown.

Trains go from London Victoria to Lenham, journey time just over an hour. Lenham is one stop up the line, so buy a day return to Charing. For those driving, park at the station car park at Lenham. Trains back from Charing to Lenham only take 5 minutes, but are hourly.

Take the train nearest to 9.45am from London Victoria Station to Lenham.

The Harrow Hill Hotel & Inn Warren Street, Lenham, ME17 2ED (01622 858727). Food served noon – 2pm Mon - Sat (to 2.30pm Sun). Located 4.8 km from the start of the main walk.

The Plough Stalisfield Green, Stalisfield, ME13 0HY (01795 890256). Food served noon – 2pm Tue – Sun. It is the suggested lunch stop. Located 8 km from the start of the main walk

Oliver's at Charing 42 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HX (01233 713838). Serves tea, coffee etc. 9am - 4pm Mon - Sat. It is the suggested tea stop.

The Queens Head at Ashford Rd, Charing, TN27 0HY (01233 712253). Open all day, serves coffee, tea.