Sevenoaks Circular walk

This was a delightful 12 miles, undertaken for the first time in nearly 13 years, and in almost perfect conditions (though some slight wind interference on commentary).

The walk passes through the deer park at the National Trust's Knole House; some bluebell woods; some lavender fields and nut orchards before arriving at Ightham Mote, another National trust property. This provides a possible lunch-time stop, following the closure of the former pub options at Stone Street, but this walker chose to continue on the attractive extension to Shipbourne.

Once here, there's the option of a pub, or St Giles' church, with a decent view (though only the one seat!).

Thereafter, it's on up to the wooded hills of the Kentish Downs to join the Greensand Way. This path provides some excellent views over the Weald and some fine bluebell woods. Really worth tarrying, on a good day.

The finale is back through the deer park and on through residential Sevenoaks back to the station.

This was an excellent walk, with little appearing to change in the intervening years. The extension to Shipbourne improves the walk in terms of duration and interest. Little has changed with the number of stiles either, which, in this day and age, really needs improving.

Sections can be very muddy during the Winter.

Out via the National Trust's Knole Park, House, and Igtham Mote. Back by the Greensand Way along the escarpment of the Kent Downs.

Main walk: 16.3km (10.1 miles)

Toughnes: 3 out of 10: gentle gradients

#HikinginLondon #BMC #Sevenoaks

© Club Hiking in London. Ltd (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walkers Club.

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Around 9.5 miles of walking in the Kent countryside, much of it along the Greensand Way. There are some lovely views of the Weald from the Kent Downs escarpment twixt Ightham and Knole Park. A good bluebell walk, in season.

(Mobile phone quality).