Seasonal Saunter Around Shoreham, Kent

With journey time of less than three-quarters of an hour from Central London, some of you may still get to have a lie-in and have a walk in the country. 

Our starting point at Knockholt is within the M25, which we will pass around and under before making our way through coppiced woodland and along sunken lanes into open countryside, and our first steep ascent to Meenfield Wood. 

Emerging from the wood we will pause for a moment at Shoreham Cross to enjoy the superb views of the Darent Valley below, the pretty village of Shoreham, and on a clear day, the Low Weald beyond.  

We will stop for a short break in Shoreham where there will be a choice between a drink in the pub, or a mug of tea from the diminutive Old Bakery Tearoom. The village was once home to the artist Samuel Palmer, whose house we will pass as we wend our way through. 

Our route out of the village is all uphill, with another very steep, stepped climb up and out of the Darent Valley. Shortly after this we will stop for lunch at Eastdown, another picturesque valley.

The afternoon will be characterised by dense woodland, punctuated briefly with far reaching views over Kemsing Down, before joining the North Downs Way and our descent into Otford, where we should arrive just before sunset. 

Those that wish to catch the train back to London can do so as we pass the station, otherwise we will walk into village for a drink at the pub.