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11 off the train, 1 early starter caught up with, so 12 altogether on this beautifully sunny and surprisingly warm day in the Darenth Valley. Very little mud made for pleasant walking up to Romney Street and Mount Farm, shortly after which we were rewarded with a magnificent view of Otford and Sevenoaks in, I am convinced, clearer skies than pre-covid. I know a lot of holiday makers were disappointed by their cancelled flights, but it's an ill wind that blows no-one any good.

Lunch was taken variously at the Bull in Otford or on benches overlooking England's only listed pond, several local cafes providing sandwiches for those who had originally thought it too cold for a picnic lunch. Then, by common consent all (?) took the longer route up the west side of the valley, passing Uranus on the way. (Otford has a large scale model of the solar system scattered around the village and its surroundings - Pluto is about a mile away.) Two newborn lambs and their mother were spotted before tackling the ascent (well, some of us did) to Polhill Bank with, again, great views, before strolling on to Shoreham. A few called it a day here, but it was a beautiful afternoon so others took either the high or low road to Eynsford, those taking the low stopping to admire St Botolph's church in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle, free admission being the main draw.

I forgot the Nature Notes: as well as white wood anemones, there were plentiful displays of yellow celandines and, in sheltered spots, sheets of bluebells. A kestrel was spotted above Otford, earning its soubriquet of "windhover." A few early butterflies (brimstones) were seen near Shoreham.

The Mount Vineyard at Shoreham may also be worth a visit and appears to serve food as well as more liquid sustenance...

On a mild winter's day 10 walkers set off from Eynsford, plus a dog with boundless energy which shot off ahead and seemed to know the route rather better than some of the human participants. Once off the quiet lane away from the station we had to contend with the expected muddy stretches, but nothing was too awful. It was interesting to note that the defunct golf course on the first leg had almost completed reverted to nature, with hardly any trace of its tees and greens. A stiff climb out of the valley here would normally have reduced me to a crawl, but by cunningly offering to take the dog's lead I was whisked up the hill with no effort at all.

Arriving at Shoreham just before 1pm the pub lunchers plumped for the first hostelry which appeared. I haven't tried the George for a while but the Sunday roasts were excellent; they might have arrived a bit quicker if one of our group hadn't ordered something exotic which took a little longer to prepare, but no-one seemed to be in too much of a hurry.

Some of the sandwichers had gone on ahead and one or two others seemed to disappear after lunch, but a core group of six set off on the afternoon leg. At the other end of the village the two routes diverge and there was a palpable shock when the walk author announced his intention of doing the longer and hillier option. This didn't meet with unqualified approval but all acquiesced and we returned to Eynsford along the other side of the valley, pausing to admire the magnificent veteran trees in Lullingstone Park and trying to blot out the road noise from the M25, made worse by the stiff breeze coming from that direction. Three went for the 16:41 train, three stopped for a quick reviver in the Plough.

There are now 3 tea rooms in Otford, the 3rd being opposite the Hospices of Hope.

Soon it will be spring. Very very soon. Today it was drizzly and windy , but nicer weather is coming. Nature is on the rise. There are lots of leaf shoots appearing in the hedgerow and we saw plenty of wood anemones and primroses. Larks sang bravely against the grey skies.

There were 21 of us and as far as I aware we all kept pretty much together until lunch in Otford. There we split a bit. Many went to the largely empty Bull where chain pub meals (perhaps a bit skimpy on the portions) were dispensed speedily by staff in ludicrous St Patrick’s Day hats. Two at least went to the Woodman and we did not see them again (alas). At least two went to the Hospices of Hope tea room.

After lunch two set off to walk to Sevenoaks, one went off to do her own thing, four or five continued on the main 13 mile walk and nine of us chose the alternative afternoon along the Darent Valley, hoping thus to be somewhat out of the wind. This route was perhaps a bit too easy because we got to the deserted Lullingstone cafe at 3pm. We drank tea, ate cake, added lots more mud to the considerable amount already on their floor, and generally dawdled a bit so as not to finish the walk too early. To salve our honour we climbed up onto the hill before the Roman villa to rejoin the main walk route with its fine view of the railway viaduct.

After a cosy drink in the Malthouse pub (much smartened up since I last was in it) we got the....whatever train it was we got. It was getting dark anyway so I guess we made full use of the day.

Hi,

I would love to attend.

Anyone else with can commit and is "ok" with directions?

Zak

Zak I will be going

Coming from Victoria station

13 , hot and sunny , Three opted for a shorter version with lunch at Shoreham. The rest went on for lunch at the Bull in Otford which has a large garden with shady tables and is reasonably efficient on a busy Sunday lunch time. Food is better than many of these larger pub chains. After lunch we took the shortest route to Shoreham hoping for tea and cakes at the church, sadly none this Sunday. Some then took the Darenth Valley path to Eynsford and others got the train from Shoreham. As always a pleasant day out in the Darenth Valley with a walk length to suit all tastes on a hot day.

Sean, thanks for posting - sorry I won't be joining you on this occasion. Cheers!

25 people got off the train with some of them certainly interested in the wine tasting at lunch time. This had been briefly alluded to in the walk posting.

For all their enthusiasm the pace was relaxed and after about 100 minutes most of us tried the pubs in Shoreham - 12 lunched at The Crown and by general consent reckoned good food with good attitude and good prices and A N Other x 2 said the beer was good - the Crown was good then.

Whilst we were there we had a report that one walker had gone astray and ended up in Otford for lunch but then rejoined us in the early afternoon by jogging back - so an extra 2 to 3 miles ( or more maybe - we don't know how lost he really was ) and by jogging used about twice the calories that we all did.

After lunch it seemed that some had enjoyed the wine tasting as they greeted us with beaming smiles and a bit of giggling and possibly a stumble or two - this included the walks author and someone who had driven but by the time we had got back to Eynsford and had tea and cake surely the tippling had worn off.

Speaking of tea - the Riverside tea room ( not actually on the riverside ) in Eynsford was good with a selection of teas, coffees, cakes and ice cream which was enjoyed by many but not really needed it only being an hour or so since lunch.

A 15 minute walk back to the train meant that 12 of us caught the 16.43 back home ( and three went off by car ) - bit of an old cattle truck of a train but at least it was running

The other 10 - no idea what happened to them but trust that they either had a longer imbibing session in Shoreham or a shorter lunch time and got a train before us

The views throughout the day were nice though visibility was poor at times but most of the autumnal leaf colour is now on the ground .

A little muddy in places but surprisingly pleasant for this time of year with only one that I know of taking a tumble - but he took it in good heart and didn't seem any worse for it though by all accounts it was quite decorative.

That'll do then - signing off - TTFN as JY used to say

Pa King

PS the weather started grey and misty gradually clearing in the afternoon and it wasn't too cold

To add to Pa King's slightly scurrilous report, about ten lunched at the George in Shoreham and this pub too got good marks. Several then made the small detour to The Mount Vineyard which couldn't have been more welcoming (sorry you missed this, 'fellow-walker'). They offered free tasting of their five wines with no pressure to buy, but as the product proved to be eminently drinkable it was no hardship to purchase a couple of bottles. Other visitors were enjoying plates of nibbles and the owners plan to open a restaurant on the premises, so this could even become an up-market lunch stop.

A little later, another detour into Castle Farm's Hop Shop led to more foodie purchases. And finally, full marks to the Riverside Tea Rooms for welcoming a large influx of walkers ten minutes before their published closing time and cheerfully staying open an extra half-hour to serve everyone tea, cakes and scones.

Four enjoyed lunch at the friendly King's Arms and two visited the ruins of Eynsford Castle before arriving at the tea shop at the same time as the others.

Intend going

anyone interested in taking the short cut to Shoreham?

13 started in dry, cloudy weather at a fast pace. 2 joined later at lunchtime in the Bull, having been denied boarding at Victoria due to defective ticket machines The Woodman could only offer burgers and hotdogs as the Otford village fair was in mid-swing but the Bull was fully booked in the restaurant but made up a table for 9 in the bar.. Fast and reliable food service.

2 walkers were sporting deep tanned complexions from the Scottish trip which seems to have had the best weather in the UK and a jolly good time in the heat of the bare and boggy munros. Very pretty walk with lots of buttercups. 2 took the short cut to Shoreham.

15

I can't make it so early, but definitely going to do it two hours later, arriving Eynsford at 12:09. If anyone interested and would like to join me.

Hi,

I'm a first timer, could you just confirm where we're supposed to meet? Is it at the station?

Thanks!

I am also interested in doing this walk later but not definite as stomach is upset todayjfk

Can you bring instructions B arbara Thanks

This computer is up the spout

Hello Sofia, yes people meet at the station on the platform,

I hope to walk tomorrow,

Maggie

Sorry for the late reply,

yes, the train from Victoria at 11:36 arriving Eynsford at 12:09

Looking forward to meet you at the platform.

Thanks Maggie!

I'm intending to go at 10:09, hope some else too?

See you tomorrow!

SWC Inspector's Report 2015/09/27/3/59/Eynsford Circular. 9 walkers. Sunny .

Yet again this inspector failed to rendezvous with a punishingly early train. Instead he plotted a cunning route from a different starting point, aiming to intercept the group shortly before Otford. This worked perfectly and contact was duly made with eight walkers (including a few newcomers), who reported that a ninth had sped on ahead. There were also rumours of a small group two hours behind, but no sightings.

As the Crown was reported to be closed we tried the Bull for lunch. At this Chef & Brewer inn food comes off a suspiciously fast production line; after ordering at the bar some walkers found their order defrosted, cooked and assembled almost before they'd returned to the table. Quality nothing special, but acceptable. On our way out of the village we then discovered that a new tenant had just taken over at the Crown, but its kitchen won't be up and running for at least a month. Until then, the Woodman might be worth a try.

In the afternoon the inspector honoured the group with his presence as far as Shoreham, decided his job was done and left them to it.