Eynsford – Farningham – Horton Kirby - Eynsford

Graham Hooker

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This easy, mostly level, all-seasons walk keeps company with the River Darent as it flows through meadows, woods and fields between Eynsford and Horton Kirby. At the halfway point there is a dedicated riverside picnic spot or great unspoiled pub – either should be ideal for lunch. Setting out from Eynsford Railway Station, the route passes Lullingstone Roman villa (English Heritage) and the Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre, soon reaching picturesque water meadows which are usually grazed by rare breed Highland cattle.

Mostly on the Darent Valley Path, a section across fields – good views here of 11th Century Eynsford Castle – leads to Farningham Village with its interesting historic houses, imposing Mill House and unusual 18th Century brick cattle gate constructed to prevent cows wandering upriver. Now following the riverbank, the route passes under the thundering M20 to emerge into more meadows with old watercress beds. After crossing the river several times the path reaches Westminster Fields, once the site of a thriving flour mill and now a sports arena with dedicated riverside picnic area. A short ascent of Bull Hill takes us to the Bull Inn, a great unspoiled pub with large garden. Then it's onward into more fields as we swing back to the Darent Valley Path and retrace some of the outward riverside route.

Back in Eynsford we cross the Darent at the medieval bridge or the ford, at a river crossing point in use since Roman times. A few minutes' walk through the village brings us back to Eynsford Railway Station.

England - South England - Kent - North Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

5/21/2019 - Marilu Peries

We loved this walk through a lovely piece of Kent countryside, fields and rivers. The Bull Inn was a perfect midway stop for a pint and roast - yum! Our dog love swimming in the streams. Very dog friendly, bar the few stretches of road in the beginning and middle. We didn't park at the station, but parked at the Roman Villa instead and walked over footpath through fields to avoid some of the road.

10/23/2011 - Sid Marks

What a delightful walk this is, great views, pretty villages, combined with perfect walk directions, made this a lovely stroll through Kent's rolling countryside. The Bull Inn is worth a visit at waymark 14,the food is fantastic with superb views of the countryside in the beer garden. Highly recommended walk for all the family.