insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 96

DAYSOUT lullingstone country park GLORIOUS VIEWS AND HISTORY ABOUND ON THIS WALK AROUND LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK TO THE VILLAGE OF SHOREHAM AND ALONG THE DARENT VALLEY. Location: Lullingstone Country Park, DA4 0JF Distance: 6.5 miles (10.4 km) Time: Allow 3 hours Explorer Map: 147 Terrain: Field and woodland paths; some steep slopes Stiles: 10 Parking: Pay and display at the Visitor Centre Refreshments and facilities: At the Visitor Centre Set off from the Visitor Centre car park, taking the path across the field near the Visitor Centre entrance and along the boundary. Round the bend in the field and look out for a gap in the fence; go down the steps, across the road and through the gate on the other side and follow the Darent Valley signs. Take the footpath just past the Aircraft Museum and begin the ascent along the edge of the recreation ground. Uphill climbs are soon rewarded by sights of the Shoreham Cross War Memorial and glorious views over the rolling landscape. Meenfield Wood rests at the top of the hill. Follow the path on your right through the woodland and look to your right as the trees part to reveal more well-earned sights across the valley. Wander through fields as your path winds alongside the river, crossing over the bridge. The river soon meets Shoreham and your walk takes you through this pretty village. Local history claims Shoreham was the most bombed village during the Second World War and the Aircraft Museum houses plenty of fascinating relics from this period. Head downhill and through the wooded patch towards the road, turn right and follow the signs towards Eynsford and Well Hill. Turn left into the treelined Cockerhurst Road and look out for a footpath on your right to take 96