Cross road to climb over stile near gate signposted North Downs Way. In 250m ignore a track forking off to the left. At the top go through another kissing gate and up a short slope. A pleasant winter walk on the North Downs, heading east out of Otford and circling round to Shoreham before heading back up the Darenth Valley to Otford. Otford High St. In 400m turn right off the lane onto a footpath climbing through a small wood, then along field edges to Dunstall Farm. Kent. 12 Polyramblers set off from Otford station and after the leader missed the turning (she was talking) they found the correct path and ascended fairly steeply up to the North Downs. Southern England. This walk includes a good mix of woodland and open countryside, with fine views from the steep-sided hills overlooking the Darent valley. Plenty of parking at Otford or Shoreham station. Keep ahead on a path along the top of the grassy bank, steadily descending and going through a gate along the way. Anglo-Saxon Ottanford (Otta’s ford, after the local chieftan) is the site of battles… This is a pleasant and relaxing 3.2 mile walk along one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Darent following the banks of the river through fields and copses. Do. Gates: 4 Very very muddy! Otford Circular is a 5.5 mile loop trail located near Sevenoaks, Kent, England that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. on Flickr, A place to admire the view from Polhill Bank. I needed to check out the walk as I will be leading a group from the U3A next week. The largest scale model of the Solar System in the World. This walk's relatively short morning section starts with the same stiff climb to the top of Otford Mount. Kent County Council moontiger Cross over stile to emerge from wooded area on wooded area on a fairly steep hillside overlooking a golf course. Otford Circular Walk March 2015. Beware of traffic. It was a bit muddy at places but fine if you’ve got walking boots. Lovely muddy walk with one very beautiful section right in the middle, Great walk, muddy and a few hills but a great walk, Great walk, HUGE hill and very muddy but amazing afternoon. kind to us and remained dry throughout the walk. At the end turn left onto Otford's High Street, leaving the DVP. Descending back to Otford along part of the North Downs Way you also pass by Otford Pond interestingly designated as a listed building! This is the Shoreham circular walkwith a two-mile extension to Otford and back bolted on. Done. Go across a potentially muddy stretch into a field and. Continue downhill to stile at bottom. For the whole excursion including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 7 hours. Beautiful views too. It continues through the secluded valley of Magpie Bottom, one of several small nature reserves in the area managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust. Cross the road carefully and take the left-hand of two driveways just off to the right, joining the, The path eventually levels out and you go through a wooden kissing gate. It wasn't a pleasant day, in fact it was pouring down. Return to Top Cross over and go down Station Road for 350m, joining the Darent Valley Path (DVP) which comes in from a footpath on the left. Posted on 26/03/2015 Groups: London, Surrey. The other refreshment places are on the left of the large roundabout encircling the. As the path emerges from the short wooded stretch it begins downhill with steps in places. 18.5ml. 20 views Local Group. Wednesday, 16 September 2020. Lovely walk with great views. Terrain: Fields and tracks with some on-road sections. The main track can become very muddy but essentially you need to follow it through the wood (taking parallel side paths if easier) for a further 400m. After another gate the DVP goes alongside a tree-lined stretch of the river, then past allotments and along a driveway beside a mill stream. There are also two pubs on the High Street, the Bull (01959-523198) and the Woodman (01959-522195). At the end of the walk there are two tearooms in Otford: the Otford Tea Rooms at the back of the Hospices of Hope charity shop (01959-524322; open to 5pm Sat & Mon–Fri summer, 4pm Sun & Mon–Fri winter); and the Pond View Café (01959-522150; open daily to 4.30pm). In this valley it joins the route (in reverse) of the Knockholt to Otford walk (#37), then rejoins the Walk 1–43 route just before Dunstall Farm. Turn left onto this road, which crosses the River Darent and becomes Otford's High Street. The increasing traffic noise reveals the presence of the (unseen) M25, and after a close encounter with the motorway the walk descends via another small nature reserve, Polhill Bank. Event Type. This walk was then an Otford start, then I take my OS map, go far away on the North Downs Way, aim for a pub mentioned on the OS map on thew way back and finally come back to Otford after a good … Events may accept up to 30 attendees, including walk leaders, in accordance with Sport England and Ramblers' agreed procedures. https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/otford-circular-via-shoreham Keep to enclosed path at all times. Participants : 7. After a steep climb up onto the North Downs you are rewarded with some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. If you want to visit the church its entrance is a set of modern doors on the north side. pubs an shops, back to the car park where you started. Cross Filston Lane carefully and go down Water Lane. After passing through the woods we were able to admire some beautiful views over the valley below. Beautiful views when you get just under half way. Busy at the start, but once you pass the golf course it was a really enjoyable (and muddy) walk. Main Walk: 14 km (8.7 miles). During your walks around Sevenoaks you are never far from an impressive castle, a pristine stately home or a grand manor house. Parking: Free car parking is available opposite the Bull public house in Otford The car park in the High Street is free on Sundays & Bank Holidays. Took us about 2 hours 15 mins and we were marching although did take a wrong turn so had to correct ourselves. This will take you back to Otford crossing over the railway bridge, past a pond (designated as a listed building!) Three hours 45 minutes walking time. Walk Details: Event Type. Toilets: Playing field car park Beware of fast traveling vehicles. Continue past the bridge on a footpath, which in 50m turns sharp left and goes down through the trees. Meet at Otford Station outside the station building. After lunch at one of its hostelries the afternoon section starts with a climb up the other side of the valley into a fine bluebell wood. (POINT 20). Otford circular walk. Meet Otford Station, outside main ticket hall (take 8:52 Train from Victoria arrives Otford at 9:28). A very good workout! Region. Some steep climbs and a bit slippery in places but beautiful scenery. http://www.kent.gov.uk, Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5km) Allow 3 hours At road junction bear left (following North Downs Way sign). In 100m go through a metal kissing gate and turn right to follow a line of wooden posts curving round the edge of a large field, climbing steadily. In the order in which you pass them (after 5¼–6¼ km) they are Ye Olde George Inn (01959-522017) and the Kings Arms (01959-523100) on Church Street, and the Crown (01959-522903) at the far end of the High Street. On the far side go out through a gate and turn left onto a road (Pilgrims Way West). If you have time, enjoy Otford’s surprising medieval buildings too. Sat 8th Jun 2019. The weather was. Sat 18th Nov 2017. Kent. At the end of the hedge. (do not continue straight on to follow bridleway). TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234. Its shorter morning and longer afternoon essentially offer a more balanced walk, closer to the “good, brisk, shortish autumn or winter walk, with a late start possible” which perfectly described the original. Occurrence : 1. Cross over to pavement and turn right following North Downs Way sign. Go down Water Lane and along a bridleway past Home Farm. At the top of Otford Mount fork left across a field (leaving the NDW) and turn left onto Rowdow Lane. Take the first path (bridleway) on the right after coming to the end of the enclosed path (do not continue following the wall straight on). Explore Kent is a Kent County Council Initiative, Really lovely views! | Walk Options At the bottom turn left onto a permissive path along the valley floor to Rose Cottage Farm. Escape the urban sprawl and set out into a landscape of rolling chalk hills, ancient woodland and historic castles. As the path winds through woodland, it becomes steep and there are approximately 145 steps to climb. Continue along path until you come to a main road (Station Rd). In this field, follow path along left hand boundary entering into woodland area after approximately 350m. Bear left to take footpath through a gap into a field. Go through the treeline to cross a short grassy area and go through gap into a field. Turn left onto a broad path alongside a high wire fence, which soon drops down a short slope. station. Go to My Location Auto Pan Map Stop Auto Pan Go to Route Start Hide Route Show Route Auto Pan Map Stop Auto Pan Go to Route Start Hide Route Show Route Date: 07/04/2019 ; Meeting Time: 11:00; Approximate End Time: 16:00; Category: Moderate Walk; Groups: West Kent; Covid Secure Events - getting back outdoors . Cross road to follow gravel path to the right of building (Copt Hall). Take the footpath along the bottom edge of Meenfield Wood. 3 journeys. Aim for the right side of the house ahead, which becomes visible as you near the top of the slope. Cross over stile into field and follow path, heading for edge of trees straight ahead. Turn right and follow road to junction with main road A225 (turn left if you want to explore Shoreham), passing Golf course entrance and under railway bridge. The first 1 km is the same as the Walk 1–43 route. Take the footpath heading south-east, steeply down the bank and continuing across Filston Lane. After passing its entrance leave the DVP (a footpath off to the right) and go up Mill Lane to its T-junction with Shoreham's High Street. Watch out for the steep steps! Very steep in places but nothing a pair of walking boots can’t handle! Cross Filston Lane carefully and continue on the footpath opposite, passing the buildings of Sepham Farm and then a neglected orchard. Plenty of parking at Otford Station c.p. Walk provided by Explore Kent Turn left and follow uphill to sign post on right. In a further 600m ignore a stile on the left at the end of the wood and continue along the track, now with views across the Darent valley over a hedge on your left. Click on any option to show only the sections making up that route, or the heading above to show all sections. Cross over stile into woods and follow fenced woodland path until you reach a road. In 250m, after the last house on the right and opposite the imposing entrance to Mount Farm. The remainder of the walk follows the Walk 1–43 route. After the last cottage the track becomes a bridleway which swings left and goes alongside a branch of the. Follow enclosed path crossing the golf course. Beware of any golf carts that may cross the footpath. Beware of traffic. At the far end turn left onto a permissive path into Pilots Wood, staying near its eastern boundary. From the car park opposite the Bull pub, turn left along high street. Sunday, 31 January 2016. Make your way down the steep-sided grassy bank to a wooden kissing gate at the bottom, directly below the one where you entered the reserve. Lovely walk, still plenty of snow so a bit slippy in places, 2 shops open in Otford selling hot drinks and cakes, so so welcomed on a quite cold day. Postcode: TN14 5PG Turn left onto a lane (Magpie Bottom). | Walk Directions. There is a very limited bus service through Shoreham and Otford (Go-Coach 2, Mon–Sat), but it will usually be quicker to head for the nearest station if you want to abandon the walk. Head across, to left of farm buildings. Toilets at car park now open. A steep descent through the wooded White Hill brings you to the attractive village of Shoreham, where The Mount Vineyard is usually open for tastings at weekends (it also has a restaurant). Refreshments: Pub and shops near start/finish Date : 17th November 2002. and videos to Some steep hills but nothing too extreme. This walk begins in Otford where you can catch a glimpse of the largest scale model in the world - the Otford Solar System. Otford Circular. National Rail Enquiries: 08547 484950. Sevenoaks wears its grand heritage and floral splendour on its sleeve, an ostentatious display for all who come to tread this corner of Kent’s ‘Garden of England’. I loved being so close to the cattle and walking through the farm. Route. Follow the footpath across a field and steeply down through a wood to reach the A225. Descending back to Otford along part of the North Downs Way you also pass by Otford Pond interestingly designated as a listed building! Quite steep in places so not for the faint hearted. The steep-sided hills and secluded valleys around the Darent valley. At the far end continue briefly alongside a hedge and then in the same direction through Pilots Wood. Otford Circular is a 8.9 kilometer loop trail located near Sevenoaks, Kent, England that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. We were lucky to catch a very mild sunny day in February. We eat our picnic lunch before heading downhill to Shoreham, returning to Otford along the … Distance. Download topographic maps and trails from top publishers, plus active gps navigation, BuddyBeacon and more. Couple of steep climbs but nothing too unmanageable. Click on any section heading to switch between detailed directions and an outline, or the heading above to switch all sections. If you want to abandon the walk at lunchtime (or in mid-afternoon) you could divert to Shoreham station. At the far end turn left onto a footpath going down the left-hand edge of a steeply-sloping field, then on a track to Filston Lane. Follow this main road past. The walk 43 (Otford Circular) was a very good candidate for that because is was ridiculously short (11.3 km) and there is therefore no chance that it would keep us busy for the whole day. Adam McCulloch amac49@hotmail.co.uk Walk 5: Otford circular Romney St Otford station START Shoreham Blue line is alternative Darent path - actually a … Nested in the picturesque Darent Valley, Eynsford boasts a lavish array of hiking trails and many superb circular walks are possible. Did this trail in thick, deep snow which only added to the amazing hike and beautiful views! Continue down Church Street to the River Darent. This walk begins from Oxted, climbing from the town back up to the Downs at Titsey Plantation, passing in and out of woods for the first part of the walk and also close to Biggin Hill airfield where the path crosses from Surrey into Kent. Mon-Sat. (upload your photos) Emerge from the path into a field keeping to the left hand side, continue uphill on what becomes a steep climb. I would have been all over them with doggy cuddles if they wouldn’t have scattered at my slow creep toward them and a very enthusiastic and loud “AAWWEEEEEE!” Alternatively, simply follow the riverside path directly to Mill Lane and go up this lane to the High Street. https://kentwalksnearlondon.com/walk-5-otford-circular-via-romney-street It rejoins the Walk 1–43 route once again for an easy stretch along the Darent Valley Path into Otford, another attractive village with many interesting old buildings. General Notes. There are views along this path on the left as you pass the end of the recreation ground. This walk begins in Otford where you can catch a glimpse of the largest scale model in the world - the Otford Solar System. The scale of this model is 1:4,595,700,000 (ie 1mm = 4,595.7km). Cross another field and go over another stile to head down slope on an enclosed path until you reach a road (Eastdown House should be on the right). Cross this main road carefully (slightly to the right) and go down Station Road, passing under the railway bridge. | Walk Map Southern England. Group Capital Walkers. Ok, the 7 mile Otford Circular walk holds a special place in my heart for one simple reason….It led us through an open field of sheep! Follow the enclosed footpath alongside the main road. Later in the day we were … Would recommend but not after heavy rain. Welcome to the website of the Otford Scale Model of the Solar System. A workout in some places especially the 125 steps up through the woodland but very rewarding! The walk ascends and decends the North Downs and paths can be muddy and slippery after rain. The reserve narrows and you leave it through a wooden kissing gate at the far end. Otford Circular. After the walk, we would love to get your feedback. Took me 2 hours with a 10 minute stop to take in the landscape. Main features : The Darent valley. The route runs for about 7 miles with some moderate hill climbs on the way. Turn right and follow road. Near the top there are views to the left and behind you. It was constructed by the village as a millennium project and takes the visitor around the village visiting the different planets in scale. Come to end of path and on to a cricket ground. Otford Round Walk. For a choice of more pubs and tearooms, take the main route through the village. Go through a pair of kissing gates by the entrance to Lower Barn Farm to continue in the same direction alongside a fence. www.walkingclub.org.uk/site/license.shtml. This walk's tags are: National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Mon-Sat Traveline: 0871 200 22 33. Start time: 10:45. Beware of Traffic. All of our groups are now able to offer events. Reaching the end of the path you will be at a road. 09.30. There are also half-hourly stopping services from Blackfriars which take over an hour; these also call at Shoreham. At the top of the field go up a few steps, over a stile and through a belt of trees into a field. Posted on 7 November 2018, updated 7 November 2018 by Nick Rushby Otford is at the junction of the Darent Valley and Holmesdale between the North Downs scarp and southerly Sevenoaks Ridge in an area of outstanding natural beauty. After a short distance, turn left to take path between The Forge House Restaurant and Antiques shop. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. After passing the buildings of Sepham Farm turn right briefly along the edge of a large field to its corner, then turn left onto a footpath heading south-east across fields and meadows, eventually coming out on Pilgrims Way West. On the far side go down into a wood, soon crossing a path to descend a long flight of earth steps. Stiles: 9 Continue in the same direction across a field. http://www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent At the far end go through a wooden kissing gate and turn right, briefly going along the edge of a large field. Three hours 10 or 15 minutes walking time. On reaching a road crossing the path beware of traffic. Jupiter Otford Solar System. Otford Circular Walk 7 miles (11 km) A popular circular walk from the Kent village of Otford, visiting the River Darent, Shoreham, Great Wood and the Otford Mount viewpoint. Go through gate at end of path and bear left to follow path over stile into field. Here you can also see the Otford Solar System model. It has obvious similarities with the original Otford Circular walk (1–43), with the same lunchtime village now that the pub in Romney Street has closed. In the field corner go past a metal fieldgate and, Continue along the waymarked path for a further 750m, initially on enclosed paths and finally across a meadow. 434 (Sevenoaks-Shoreham) 3/4 journeys. Leader: Elizabeth (07814 588146) Travel: Take the 10:36 from Victoria (Bromley South 10:54), arrives Otford at 11:13. Peter chose this area as we seldom walk. Two Short Cuts: 11¾ or 12¼ km (7.3 or 7.6 miles). From the station head north-east through a small wood (The Chalk Pit) and cross Pilgrims Way East to join the North Downs Way (NDW).