Setting the scene: This 6.5-mile circular walk from Lullingstone Country Park offers a perfect autumnal adventure. As you meander through the Darent Valley and climb to panoramic viewpoints, you'll be treated to a spectacular display of fall foliage. The route takes you past historic landmarks and through the charming village of Shoreham, making it an ideal way to embrace the changing season. With the start of autumn signalling the beginning of Sunday Roast season, why not plan this walk for a crisp Sunday afternoon and reward yourself with a hearty meal at the end?
THE WALK
1. Start at the Lullingstone Country Park Visitor Centre car park. Exit and turn right onto the path, crossing a stile into a field.
2. Follow the boundary, looking for a gap on the left around a bend. Descend steps, cross the road carefully, and continue across the field following Darent Valley path signs.
3. Cross a stile in the treeline and follow the path to a surfaced track. Cross another stile to enter a field, heading for the left corner.
4. Go through a kissing gate and follow the path alongside the river, emerging onto a surfaced road. Turn left.
5. Follow the path along Mill House's fence line and over a small bridge. Turn right to continue along the riverside path.
6. In Shoreham, turn right onto Church Street, passing the Kings Arms pub and village school.
7. At the junction, turn right and look for a footpath on the left past Shoreham Aircraft Museum.
8. Follow the uphill track alongside a recreation ground, then through a kissing gate onto a narrow path.
9. Climb over a stile and continue uphill on a steep section. Cross another stile for fantastic valley views.
10. At Meenfield Wood, turn right and pause to admire Shoreham Cross and the panoramic vistas.
11. Descend through a wooded section, bearing left towards Shacklands Road. Turn right, then left onto Cockerhurst Road.
12. Look for a footpath on the right opposite a bungalow driveway. Follow it uphill for more valley views.
13. Cross a stile and follow the field edge towards power lines. Take the narrow path past houses to the road.
14. Turn left, then right up steps into a field. Cross another stile and follow the enclosed path to Lullingstone Park.
15. Enter Beechin Wood, following Public Footpath 206. Cross a golf fairway carefully.
16. Follow signs to a surfaced path, turning left towards the car park past the Clubhouse.
17. Exit the Golf Club and go through the kissing gate on the right, following the path past houses into fields.
18. Cross a stile through a wooded section and continue along field edges.
19. Descend through fields, looking out for Lullingstone Castle in the distance.
20. Follow signposts through a gap in the trees for views of Eynsford Viaduct.
21. At the road, turn right and walk past Lullingstone Castle and the Roman Villa.
22. Bear right into the car park, through a kissing gate, and follow the riverside path back to the Visitor Centre.
As you walk, keep an eye out for the vibrant autumn colours in the trees and hedgerows. The crisp air might carry the earthy scent of fallen leaves and mushrooms, quintessential autumn aromas to enhance your walking experience.
Perfectly placed pit stop: After your walk, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal at The Samuel Palmer in Shoreham. This charming 15th-century English pub, hidden away in the picturesque village, is the perfect spot to unwind. With its seasonal menu freshly prepared using local produce, it's an ideal place to indulge in a traditional Sunday Roast. The pub offers a selection of locally brewed ales and wines from their own vineyard, perfectly complementing their dishes. Dog owners will be pleased to know that four-legged friends are welcome in the Main Bar Area and on one of the outside terraces, though only the bar snacks menu is available in these areas. thesamuelpalmer.com
Make a day of it: Extend your outing with a visit to Lullingstone Castle, a historic manor house dating back to the 15th century. This architectural gem has a rich history, having been a favoured haunt of both Henry VIII and Queen Anne. In October, the castle's World Garden is ablaze with autumn colours, showcasing rare and exotic plants from around the globe. The garden, created by plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke, is a unique attraction featuring plants collected from across the world, arranged in beds shaped like the continents from which they originate. Don't miss the chance to explore the castle's interior, where you can admire period furnishings and learn about the fascinating Dyke family who have called Lullingstone home for 20 generations. The World Garden remains open for the season until 27th October making this month the ideal time to explore it before the winter. lullingstonecastle.co.uk/
Steps, stats, stiles: This moderate 6.5-mile (10.4km) circular walk takes approximately three hours to complete. The route includes 10 stiles and eight gates, with some steep slopes to navigate. While challenging in parts, the stunning views make it well worth the effort. The terrain consists of field and woodland paths, some of which can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. This walk is dog-friendly, but please keep pets on leads near livestock and the golf course.
Route followed: This walk is one of many produced by Kent County Council. For a detailed map and additional walks in the area, visit kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Always carry a map when exploring new areas, and check the weather forecast before setting out.
As you embark on this autumnal adventure, please remember to respect the countryside code: leave no trace, stick to marked paths, and close gates behind you.
