The Darenth Valley, Eynesford & Canada Heights

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Leisure Walks
Sep 06
2020

1 people attending

11 places left

Your price
£12.50
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Easy Moderate Very Hard
8 mile walk with some gentle hills

A gentle walk from South Darenth and Horton Kirby, starting near the historic Victorian railway viaduct then following the Darenth Valley Path South along the River Darent. After crossing the river at Franks we'll pass an ancient moat and the site of a Roman Villa built on the site of an iron age settlement, we then pass under the M20 and A20 coming out in the pub garden in the village of Farningham. In the garden is the  Folly Bridge, a bridge too narrow to actually cross but which looks good from the big house. The village has many wood framed white oak lap board houses so traditional in Kent.

We will continue on the Darenth Valley Path along Sparepenny Lane passing the memorial to a spitfire pilot who crashed near here in September 1940.  Approaching the village of Eynsford we might be able to see Eynsford Castle through the trees, the castle was originally a Saxon Burr built at the time of Alfred the Great to defend against the Vikings but was rebuilt by the Norman Bishop Odo the Bishop of Rochester, who built and owned so many Kent castles. The spire of Eynesford church is quite striking.

We'll leave Eynesford village and head up Farningham Hill, at the top of the hill is Fort Farningham which isn't actually a fort but a late Victorian military store and assembly point.

After recrossing the A20 and M20  we'll follow Button Street parallel to the M25 until we come to Canada Heights a World War I Canadian Army camp on a hill that has since become a motor cross race track. We leave the road here and trek into Farningham Wood a nature reserve. We then follow the rear fence of Canada Heights and see part of the race track.  The footpaths are somewhat disturbed here and on the recce walk I found myself stuck at a sink hole. Retracing my steps I found a loving gate into nearby Homefield Farm where they grow raspberries on a huge scale.

A short walk along the railway brings us back to the start point.

COVID-19  – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

  • Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
  • All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
  • Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
  • Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. 
  • Each person should only attend one OutdoorLads event a week. (Leaders excepted on events if they are leading.)
  • On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
  • Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
  • Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
  • Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

 

COVID-19: Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

By signing up to and attending an OutdoorLads event, you are confirming that you have read, understood and accept the content of this statement.

 

Please see our website for more information including an FAQ about our events.

Image Credit: Photos are provided by ODL member Richard Peel and OutdoorLads has permission to use them.

 

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