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
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