Lamberhurst - Furnace Mill - Scotney Castle - Lamberhurst

Alison and Clive Gilbert

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This walk was originally compiled by Alan and Janet Love, sadly both are no longer with us. Alison Gilbert has kindly offered to take them over. Alison and Walkingworld would like all these excellent walks to remain as a continuing tribute to Alan and Janet.

The village of Lamberhurst lies in the valley of the River Tiese. This river once separated Kent from Sussex until a 19th Century revision moved the county boundary two miles to the south.

Lamberhurst lay on the route of the infamous A21 until June, 2005 and was subject to many a log-jam of traffic until the new bypass alleviated the problem. It is now a lovely village in a tranquil setting. The River Teise once powered the hammers of the Gloucester Furnace situated close by Furnace Mill, once one of England's largest foundries which produced cannons for English galleons and fire-backs for English houses amongst many other things. Old Scotney Castle ruins that remain are of the castle built by Roger de Ashburnham in 1878-80. Scotney was built primarily as a residence but was strengthened because of incursions made by French pirates at the time. In 1377 Rye and Winchester had been sacked and Hastings burned. A house adjoining the tower and built in 1580 still survives.

Fine views are to be had from the higher ground on this walk, as we are amongst some very attractive countryside. The parkland and woodland of Scotney Castle grounds are particularly attractive and our walk takes us close to the entrance of Old Scotney Castle where a visit to this NT property can be made if so desired. Our walk culminates in a crossing of the new A21 bypass on a new bridge and a walk over part of Lamberhurst Golf Course back to the car park.

England - South England - Kent - Countryside

Features

Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

1/23/2012 - Michael Vingoe

This was a lovely walk with fabulous views but it was spoilt by a very fast, narrow, busy B2169. We crossed the road to a quiet lane (Neills Road) and followed it to a footpath leading to point 11, thus cutting out most of the busy bit.

9/15/2006 - Jeremy Moon

Very enjoyable walk wonderful views of Kentish countryside and lovely houses. Thanks Alan and Janet