Ightham Mote - Knole Park - Stone Street

Ian Elmes

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A moderate walk along part of the Greensand Way with great views across the weald. With a couple of short stretches along roads, this walk is mostly along well-defined footpaths and bridleways. It takes in the deer-park of Knole House (NT) as well as the quietness of One Tree Hill (NT).

England - South England - Kent - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, National Trust, Pub, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

1/12/2015 - Judy Brua

Excellent walk - very muddy, but it is January and where isn't? A few comments on navigation: Waymark 9 - the waymarker is gone, but the left turn is probably only a couple of hundred yards after you enter One Tree Hill. End of Waymark 12/beginning of 13 - the fence inside of Knole Estate is no longer there, but if you just maintain direction straight ahead, there is no problem. Waymark 13 - that waymark post is there Waymark 19 - there is no waymark on a tree on the left, but there is a very obvious sign pointing right to Godden Green Waymark 20 - no gate at the bottom Great walk, thanks very much

6/11/2014 - Peter Singleton

We completed this walk today, but we started at Shipbourne and walked to Ightham Mote following the Greensand path. We did the circular walk and returned to Shipbourne once we reached Ightham Mote again. At Shipbourne we ordered the most amazing late lunch at the Chaser Arms. Total walking was 11.20 miles and took 5 hours with lots of stops.

3/9/2014 - Andy McTaggart

Ian Elmes has put together a fab walk, but! this is no 7 mile three hour brisk walk. We meticulously stuck to the route and clocked 10.3 miles. The walk time projection of just over three hours does not reflect average pace and taking into account that the majority of walkers will enjoy a stop at Knole Park and The Bucks Head en route. In real terms this is a four hour plus walk and you need to allow an extra hour if you fancy stopping at the cafe in Knole park and or the Bucks Head. Boots are a must as it's boggy in places as is a decent camera, as the views and deer are a must to photograph. Thanks once more to Ian for this gem, but two very accurate GPS systems clocked this at over ten miles.

10/16/2011 - Sue Eaton

We walked this route on a grey day earlier in October and found it "challenging" but most enjoyable. A couple of things to note: The waymark at point 13 has been reinstated but the one at 9 appears to have been removed. We actually went the wrong way here but managed to end up on the road anyway. Would also agree with Andy McTaggart about the landlady at the "Bucks Head" - who glared at us when we went in (even without muddy boots!). All in all though a really pleasurable experience which we would recommend.

7/17/2011 - Michael Vingoe

Andy must have visited the Bucks Head on a bad day! I've always found them both walker and dog friendly. We arrived yesterday, both drenched after 2 hours of non-stop rain, and were made very welcome....they even found me a towel. They are usually open all day at weekends.

11/30/2010 - Andy McTaggart

This is an absolutely super circular with something for everybody to enjoy. Starting off within the delightful surroundings of Ightham Mote after a hot mug of coffee in the cafe, we gradually wound our way upwards taking in some stunning views en route. Descending into Knole Park, we enjoyed the house, the deer and the tranquility of the park equally. The pub mentioned in the walk guide is the very fine " Bucks Head " which is run by a very non-walker-friendly landlady. The remaining two miles were a delight as was this entire walk. We enjoyed this on a cold winter's day and at this time of year the views are particularly wide and open due to the leaves having fallen. A cracking circular. A Big Thanks and Well Done to Ian Elmes for providing the walk. Andy McTaggart

8/1/2009 - David Pereira and Jeni Chester

31/07/09 We love off road rambling, heavy rain at first then sunny spells, this was a fantastic walk, OMG 7 miles it felt like 15 we are used to Essex's reasonably flat walks this was almost a continuous 400 ft climb, fantastic views at various points, Knole park was excellent as usual, with the Deer so close we got some good pictures. keeping to the tracks, as we don't like cheating, boots are a must, especially after Knole Park. It's one of those walks you say never again, but we are going to do it again in reverse at a later date. Brilliant walk thanks Ian. P.S. Pub after Knole park closes between 3 & 6 during the week, not sure about weekends, so stop for refreshments at Knole park.