Round the Weald in 80 Days walk
Edenbridge to Sevenoaks via Chartwell & Knole Deer Park
Saturday 12 September
Moderate pace – not suitable for slow walkers. 13 miles (linear walk). Hilly
The last stage of my Round the Weald in 80 Days walk is a classic route via Crockham Hill, Chartwell, Toys Hill, Ide Hill and Hanging Bank then a newly-discovered high route across Sevenoaks Common into Knole Deer Park
Bring a packed lunch for a picnic
It starts by following the Vanguard Way. This is part of a long-distance path from London to the sea which was created by The Vanguards - a rambling club formed in the 60s by some walkers on a crowded train who ended up sitting in the Guard's Van. We leave the Eden Valley behind and start climbing up onto the Greensand Hills
After 2 ½ miles we reach the village of Crockham Hill (where there used to be a youth hostel). We will stop for a quick drink at the Royal Oak pub and a brief look at the church which is known for its stained glass window and tomb effigy commemorating Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the National Trust, who lived nearby
After 4 miles we reach Chartwell which was Churchill's home. We go round the outside past the estate farm and some attractive oasthouses
After 5 miles we reach the restored well at Toys Hill which has a wonderful view over the Weald towards Ashdown Forest and the South Downs. It is one of the places that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust. It has several benches and will probably be the lunch spot
After 6 ½ miles along the Greensand Way passing another outstanding view over the Weald towards Ashdown Forest we reach Ide Hill, one of the highest villages in Kent. This is the quintessential village green with its church and pub. We will then say hello to the Ide Hill donkey (who is usually very grumpy) and look at the view from the Octavia Hill memorial bench before a coffee stop at the village shop.
We continue along the Hanging Bank ridge through Stubbs Wood which has several splendid views of Bough Beech Reservoir and then make our way across Sevenoaks Common to enter Knole Deer Park
After 13 miles we reach Sevenoaks. Optional tea and coffee stop at the end at my home
Look out for other Cloggies about 9.30am at London Bridge Station near the National Railways ticket office. Take the 9.45am train from London Bridge to Edenbridge; note that this is not the same station as Edenbridge Town which is on a different line. This train usually departs from Platform 10 at London Bridge; it calls at Norwood Junction and East Croydon. The ultimate destination is Tonbridge via Edenbridge
The walk will depart shortly after the train arrives at Edenbridge (due 10.33am). There are no facilities of any sort whatsoever at Edenbridge station (apart from the platform where I will meet you)
Alternatively take the 9.37am train from Victoria to East Croydon; this train calls at Clapham Junction. Change at East Croydon onto the train to Tonbridge and get off at Edenbridge
&*
start__dateTime(12th September at 9:30am)
end__dateTime(12th September at 6pm)
