Length: 21.5 km (13.4 miles) 7/10 but several shorter options
Last year this walk was posted on the Jubilee weekend and we spotted at least 5 kinds of orchid (partly thanks to a nature expert in the group). Hopefully it will be the same again. The rewilded former golf course crossed early in the walk is a particular highlight for me and there are numerous other attractions incluing castles, picturesque villages, a vineyard, lavender fields and if you walk fast enough to make the entry times, a birds of prey centre and a Roman villa.
Travel: the quickest option is the 0955 from Victoria, changing at Bromley South on to the 1023 to Sevenoaks, arriving Eynsford at 1041. This second train is a Thameslink stopping service so you could pick it up from St Pancras (0937), Blackfriars (0946), Denmark Hill (0958) or numerous other stops. Returns at 05 and 35 - there will be options to change on to quicker trains on the way back too.
Lunch: the suggested place to stop for lunch is Otford, after 8½ km. The route joins the High Street opposite The Bull (01959-523198); the alternative is a traditional village pub overlooking the pond, The Woodman (01959-522195). If you do a shorter route, there are several options in Shoreham.
Tea: in Eynsford, the suggested place is the Riverside Tea Room (01322-861551; open to 4.30pm). If you get there too late or want stronger fare, The Plough (01322-862281) has a fine riverside location. A short detour along the main road will reveal the Malt Shovel Inn (01322-862164), the Five Bells (01322-863135) and the Castle Hotel (01322-863162). [Sorry - I've just been informed the Riverside cafe is sadly closed]
If you take a shorter afternoon route, a convenient place for a break is the Lullingstone Café in the Country Park Visitor Centre (01322-865995; open to 5pm summer, 4pm weekends & 3pm weekdays in winter).
Short walk options: A shorter afternoon route, passing the Lullingstone Cafe, is described in the directions. Or you could drop out at Shoreham, cutting out the last 5.5km/3.5 miles. There are a number of other variations on the walk page.
For walk directions, map and GPX click here
T=SWC.59