Darent Valley Path
Walk summary:
19 miles (30.4km).
The beauty of the Darent Valley has inspired generations of
artists and writers eager to capture the essence of this classic
English countryside with its rolling hills, luxuriant meadows and
picturesque riverside villages.
Maps and guides:
About the walk:
The Darent Valley is one of Kent's greatest hidden treasures
with fine walking
opportunities
for all the family. The waymarked path is 19 miles (30.4km) long,
following the meandering river from the banks of the busy River
Thames at Dartford through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks.
An excellent network of footpaths means there are numerous
walking experiences to be enjoyed, ranging from gentle strolls
between historic inns to bracing climbs to the top of the Downs
with panoramic views across the valley.
Heritage and landscape
Some
of Kent's finest heritage from Roman villas and Norman castles to
historic palaces and stately homes can be discovered along the
path. The fertile soils, which attracted the Romans to settle in
the valley, are still important for agriculture today.
Cattle and sheep graze on the hillside and crops thrive -
including acres of lavender which scent the summer air. Look out
for farm shops and restaurants serving fine local produce, as well
as local ales flavoured from the valley's hop gardens in village
inns.
Wildlife
Meanwhile,
wildlife enthusiasts are spoiled for choice as the path passes
through so many different habitats including the Thames marshes,
the chalk of the Kent Downs, historic water meadows and established
nature reserves.
The river is popular with anglers and waterfowl flourish on the
water as it winds its way through picturebook villages.
Circular walks and a new guidebook
Why not try out one of the new circular walks from the guide.
View a
free taster online or download the free
taster as a PDF (PDF, 955k) with a walk at Lullingstone and
start exploring the Darent Valley Path today.
The Explore Kent full-colour guide to the Darent Valley Path is
an excellent introduction to the delights to be discovered along
the way including the many historic houses and gardens open to the
public.
The guide includes maps and details of four circular walks at
Horton Kirby, Eynsford, Lullingstone and Otford. The guidebook,
Circular walks along the Darent Valley Path, is available from the
Explore Kent online
shop. You can also view the image gallery.
Useful Information:
Weather at start point
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office
Explore Kent Challenge
Attempt the Explore Kent
Challenge by walking this route and receive
a prestigious Explore Kent certificate!
If you need to report a problem on this route
please call 0845 345 0210 or use the online
reporting tool. You can then choose to receive regular updates
about the progress of your report.