insideKENT Magazine Issue 58 - January 2017 | Page 48

DAYSOUT
LULLINGSTONE cont .
LOCATION : LULLINGSTONE , DA4 0JF DISTANCE : 6.5 MILES ( 10.46 KM ) CIRCULAR TIME : ALLOW UP TO 3 HOURS OS EXPLORER MAP : 147
TERRAIN : FIELD AND WOODLAND PATHS WITH SOME STEEP SLOPES , SOME PATHS MAY BE MUDDY .
PUBLIC TRANSPORT : FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT DIRECTIONS TO LULLINGSTONE FROM YOUR HOME ADDRESS , PLEASE VISIT WWW . KENTCONNECTED . ORG .
PARKING : THERE IS A PAY AND DISPLAY CAR PARK AT LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE
REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES : THERE IS A CAFÉ AT LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK , A PUB AND SMALL CAFÉ IN SHOREHAM AND VILLAGE SHOPS .
Climb over the stile ahead and continue following the path along the field edge towards some overhead power lines . When you reach the edge of the field you ’ ll see a narrow enclosed path that goes around the back of residential gardens , at the end of the path , bear right taking the surfaced driveway to the road , passing a bungalow .
At the end of the driveway , turn left onto another country road . Look out for steps and a stile on your right a short distance ahead . Cross the stile into a meadow and follow the path to another stile straight ahead which will take you along a narrow path , then cross another stile into Beechen Wood . You ’ ll now be back in Lullingstone Country Park !
Follow the path straight on – it will be indicated by Footpath Number 206 . Follow the track through the woodland before coming to a golf fairway . Cross the fairway carefully looking both ways before you cross into more woodland , and you come out from the trees to a surfaced path .
Heading towards the car park follow the signs for Footpath 216 / Park Gate car park . Walk through the car park towards the exit then immediately after the exit turn right along the well surfaced path where you ’ ll pass farm buildings on your right .
Follow the track which will take you through several fields . A while later you ’ ll arrive in a large field with tall trees on your left in the distance . Walk towards these trees and you ’ ll soon be able to make out the magnificent Lullingstone Castle in the distance .
Look out for a gap in the trees on the left and follow signposts through gap onto another path . As the well-marked but narrow path continues downhill , there are some good views of Eynsford Viaduct on the left . Take the time to admire the views of the valley . At the bottom , go down steps to a road .
You ’ re now nearing the end of your walk ; turn right at the bottom of the steps and continue along the road . You ’ ll soon pass Lullingstone Castle on your left . Look out for the small car park on your right and head through the car park to the footpath ahead which brings you out on the riverside .
Follow the path along the side of the river , looking out for Lullingstone Visitor Centre coming up on your right ( you ’ ll see the playground first ), and head up from the path into the carpark where your walk concludes . If you haven ’ t done so already give the lovely café at Lullingstone Country Park a go before you leave . You ’ ll be left feeling refreshed and energised on this wonderful winter walk with views that you ’ ll remember for a lifetime .
EXPLORE MORE
To find out about other walks in Kent including our # GoOutside campaign , please visit the Explore Kent website www . explorekent . org . Follow @ explorekent on Twitter and Facebook and share your experiences with us !
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