Darent Valley Path
Encyclopedia
The waymarked path Darent Valley Path is 19 miles (30.6 km) long, following the River Darent
from the banks of the River Thames
at Dartford
through the Kent Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks
.It is close to Shoreham Village and Otford Village
.
The route is well served by public transport making it ideal to break into manageable walks. Train stations are situated at Sevenoaks
, Bat & Ball (Sevenoaks), Otford
, Eynsford
, Farningham Road
& Dartford
, and there are many bus routes along the route.
The route to Otford
follows a small lane & estate roads, before crossing the river Darent
where Pilgrims Way West becomes High Street, Otford
. There are several shops and refreshment stops in Otford
a short distance from the route. A private driveway immediately next to the river is the route from Otford
, & this quickly changes to footpaths with stiles. Although the river is quickly lost from sight amongst trees & undergrowth, the river valley is very pretty. This well signposted section of the route passes through a golf course before entering the outskirts of Shoreham.
Shoreham provides a choice of routes, both very pretty in their own way. The route above the village which is first encountered passes close to a bench offering views across the valley, while the lower route close to the river has its own charm walking on the metaled path to the village outskirts.
Leaving Shoreham, the path follows the river closely as it heads through pleasant countryside towards Eynsford
. At your next junction with a road (Redmans Lane), cross the road diagonally to your left, climb 5 or six steps, and follow the path along the field edge towards your right, which is much more pleasant & safer than the road below. At the end of the path, the route passes the rear of the Lullingstone visitor centre, which houses a small restaurant & gift shop. The nearby 'Hop shop' also supplies local produce & gifts. The path for the next mile is immediately beside the river, passing close to Lullingstone Castle & the World Garden of Plants. The small lane continues North, but your route is to the left, just prior to the Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Climbing several steps the route passes into farmland again before turning sharp right heading across the slope (keep the hedge to your left). The route passes close to Eagle Heights on your left, before crossing a small road & heading diagonally down the hill to Lullingstone Lane which is followed to the right before turning left into Sparepenny Lane. After about 100 metres a new pathway has been created parallel to the road, just to its right. Follow this path for most of the length of Sparepenny Lane, before returning to the road, turning right, and walking down the hill in Farningham
to its junction with Dartford Road.
The path leaves Farningham
through the rear car park of the hotel / restaurant at the junction. The path now follows the river closely for a short distance, before being separated by fences as the path passes close to Farningham Cricket Ground. At the junction with Franks Lane turn left, cross the bridge & turn immediately right along the path next to the river. The path passes through the Westminster fields playing fields with its small toilet block, before continuing beside the river into South Darenth
.
Turn right into Station Road, then left along Holmesdale Road, which is followed through the village. There are refreshments & a few shops available here. At the bottom of Holmesdale Hill, turn left into a small driveway which quickly becomes a footpath leading across farmland to exit at the bottom of Darenth Hill. Carefully cross this busy road, & enter Darenth Road, opposite, which is followed to the footpath at its end. The path returns to follow the river, before you are forced away and along the A225 Hawley Road for several hundred metres, to pass under the A2.
Rejoin the path leading away from the road at the back of the recycle bins in the lay by, & follow the path beside the river as it passes into Dartford
, going close to the industrial estate before reaching Dartford
. Cross Powder Mill Lane, and follow the path between the lakes & river, heading to the foot tunnel passing under the busy & dangerous Princes Road. Princes Road marks the boundary for Central Park & the path passes through the park, exiting beside the museum & library. Turn right walking against the traffic flow along Market Street, & cross the road at the pelican crossing before following the road to the right along High Street. Immediately after Dartford Church, turn left into St Saviours Walk, & then pass through the underpass. Walk towards the river & locate the path passing to the rear of the offices, and follow to the wooden bridge close to Dartford train station. Do not cross the bridge, instead follow the path under the brick bridges & into Mill Pond Road, which must be crossed with care at one of the islands. At the roundabout turn right into Hythe Street (Lower), and after about 100 metres, take the path to the right leading over the river. Having crossed the river, turn immediately left & follow the path past the back of the industrial estates as it leaves habitation & heads into the country side towards the river Thames. The path travels under the busy A206, Bob Dunn Way, before following the flood defences out to the mouth of the river Darent
where it joins the river Thames.
River Darent
The River Darent or River Darenth is a Kentish tributary of the River Thames in England. Its name is believed to be from a Celtic word meaning 'river where oak-trees grow'...
from the banks of the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
at Dartford
Dartford
Dartford is the principal town in the borough of Dartford. It is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, England, east south-east of central London....
through the Kent Downs
Kent Downs
Kent Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent, England . They are the eastern half of the North Downs and stretch from the London/Surrey borders to the White Cliffs of Dover...
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks is a commuter town situated on the London fringe of west Kent, England, some 20 miles south-east of Charing Cross, on one of the principal commuter rail lines from the capital...
.It is close to Shoreham Village and Otford Village
Otford
Otford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
.
The route is well served by public transport making it ideal to break into manageable walks. Train stations are situated at Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks railway station
Sevenoaks railway station serves the town of Sevenoaks in Kent. Train services are provided by Southeastern.Trains from the station run northbound to London Bridge, Cannon Street , Waterloo East and London Charing Cross via Orpington, to London Blackfriars via Swanley and Catford, and southbound to...
, Bat & Ball (Sevenoaks), Otford
Otford railway station
Otford railway station serves Otford in Kent. Train services are provided by Southeastern.- Services :From Monday 23 March 2009, most of the stopping train service to/from Blackfriars is extended across Central London via the 'Thameslink' route, serving City Thameslink, Farringdon, St Pancras...
, Eynsford
Eynsford railway station
Eynsford railway station serves Eynsford in Kent. Train services are provided by Southeastern.The ticket office, on the 'down' side, is situated in the substantial station building...
, Farningham Road
Farningham Road railway station
Farningham Road railway station is on the Chatham Main Line, and serves the villages of Sutton-at-Hone and South Darenth in north Kent, in south east England. Train services are provided by Southeastern. It was 150 years old in December 2010...
& Dartford
Dartford railway station
Dartford railway station serves the town of Dartford in Kent, England. All train services from the station are operated by Southeastern, which also manages the station...
, and there are many bus routes along the route.
Route Directions
There are two options when starting from the Southern end of the route;- A The Eastern arm starts close to Sevenoaks train station in Bradbourne Park Road, and quickly enters the small parks which include Bradbourne lakes. Exiting onto the A25, Bradbourne Vale Road, which must be crossed with care. The path and gate is easily missed, and the wooden post bearing the Darenth Valley Path sign is partially obscured at the grass field currently occupied by horses (September 2009). The route is well signposted from here to its junction with the Western arm at the railway bridge above Otford.
- B The Western arm starts opposite the Bricklayers Arms PH in Chevening Road, ChipsteadChipstead, KentChipstead is a small village in the parish of Chevening, near Sevenoaks, Kent and just off the A21 and A25 roads. It is rapidly becoming part of the built up area of Sevenoaks...
Sevenoaks. An information board marks the start of the route which follows paths around Chipstead lake before cutting across country towards Dunton GreenDunton GreenDunton Green is a small village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent, England, lying in the valley of the River Darent, three miles north of Sevenoaks. The original ecclesiastical parish of Dunton Green was part of Otford parish...
. Although the route is signposted, the signs are partially obscured by undergrowth in places & a map showing the route is recommended. After passing under the M26 the route climbs to the A224 which must be crossed near to The Rose and Crown public house, before heading North along London Road. A small path lined by a hedge & low wall next to the Donington Manor Hotel leads into the countryside, and shares its route with the North Downs WayNorth Downs WayThe North Downs Way is a long-distance path in southern England, opened in 1978. It runs from Farnham to Dover, past Godalming, Guildford, Dorking, Merstham, Otford and Rochester, along the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Kent Downs AONB.East of Boughton Lees, the path splits...
, meeting up with the Eastern arm at the railway bridge above OtfordOtfordOtford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
.
The route to Otford
Otford
Otford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
follows a small lane & estate roads, before crossing the river Darent
River Darent
The River Darent or River Darenth is a Kentish tributary of the River Thames in England. Its name is believed to be from a Celtic word meaning 'river where oak-trees grow'...
where Pilgrims Way West becomes High Street, Otford
Otford
Otford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
. There are several shops and refreshment stops in Otford
Otford
Otford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
a short distance from the route. A private driveway immediately next to the river is the route from Otford
Otford
Otford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent known for its classically British countryside. The village is located on the River Darent, flowing north down its valley from its source on the North Downs...
, & this quickly changes to footpaths with stiles. Although the river is quickly lost from sight amongst trees & undergrowth, the river valley is very pretty. This well signposted section of the route passes through a golf course before entering the outskirts of Shoreham.
Shoreham provides a choice of routes, both very pretty in their own way. The route above the village which is first encountered passes close to a bench offering views across the valley, while the lower route close to the river has its own charm walking on the metaled path to the village outskirts.
Leaving Shoreham, the path follows the river closely as it heads through pleasant countryside towards Eynsford
Eynsford
Eynsford is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent, England. It is located on the River Darent, south of Dartford in Kent.-The village:...
. At your next junction with a road (Redmans Lane), cross the road diagonally to your left, climb 5 or six steps, and follow the path along the field edge towards your right, which is much more pleasant & safer than the road below. At the end of the path, the route passes the rear of the Lullingstone visitor centre, which houses a small restaurant & gift shop. The nearby 'Hop shop' also supplies local produce & gifts. The path for the next mile is immediately beside the river, passing close to Lullingstone Castle & the World Garden of Plants. The small lane continues North, but your route is to the left, just prior to the Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Climbing several steps the route passes into farmland again before turning sharp right heading across the slope (keep the hedge to your left). The route passes close to Eagle Heights on your left, before crossing a small road & heading diagonally down the hill to Lullingstone Lane which is followed to the right before turning left into Sparepenny Lane. After about 100 metres a new pathway has been created parallel to the road, just to its right. Follow this path for most of the length of Sparepenny Lane, before returning to the road, turning right, and walking down the hill in Farningham
Farningham
Farningham is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent in England. It is located on the River Darent, south of Dartford, and has a population of 1,289...
to its junction with Dartford Road.
The path leaves Farningham
Farningham
Farningham is a village and civil parish in the Sevenoaks District of Kent in England. It is located on the River Darent, south of Dartford, and has a population of 1,289...
through the rear car park of the hotel / restaurant at the junction. The path now follows the river closely for a short distance, before being separated by fences as the path passes close to Farningham Cricket Ground. At the junction with Franks Lane turn left, cross the bridge & turn immediately right along the path next to the river. The path passes through the Westminster fields playing fields with its small toilet block, before continuing beside the river into South Darenth
South Darenth
South Darenth is a village in the civil parish of Horton Kirby and South Darenth in the Sevenoaks District of Kent, England.The village is located on the right bank of the Darent, south of Dartford. The nearest railway station is at Farningham Road, with train services west-bound to Bromley and...
.
Turn right into Station Road, then left along Holmesdale Road, which is followed through the village. There are refreshments & a few shops available here. At the bottom of Holmesdale Hill, turn left into a small driveway which quickly becomes a footpath leading across farmland to exit at the bottom of Darenth Hill. Carefully cross this busy road, & enter Darenth Road, opposite, which is followed to the footpath at its end. The path returns to follow the river, before you are forced away and along the A225 Hawley Road for several hundred metres, to pass under the A2.
Rejoin the path leading away from the road at the back of the recycle bins in the lay by, & follow the path beside the river as it passes into Dartford
Dartford
Dartford is the principal town in the borough of Dartford. It is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, England, east south-east of central London....
, going close to the industrial estate before reaching Dartford
Dartford
Dartford is the principal town in the borough of Dartford. It is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, England, east south-east of central London....
. Cross Powder Mill Lane, and follow the path between the lakes & river, heading to the foot tunnel passing under the busy & dangerous Princes Road. Princes Road marks the boundary for Central Park & the path passes through the park, exiting beside the museum & library. Turn right walking against the traffic flow along Market Street, & cross the road at the pelican crossing before following the road to the right along High Street. Immediately after Dartford Church, turn left into St Saviours Walk, & then pass through the underpass. Walk towards the river & locate the path passing to the rear of the offices, and follow to the wooden bridge close to Dartford train station. Do not cross the bridge, instead follow the path under the brick bridges & into Mill Pond Road, which must be crossed with care at one of the islands. At the roundabout turn right into Hythe Street (Lower), and after about 100 metres, take the path to the right leading over the river. Having crossed the river, turn immediately left & follow the path past the back of the industrial estates as it leaves habitation & heads into the country side towards the river Thames. The path travels under the busy A206, Bob Dunn Way, before following the flood defences out to the mouth of the river Darent
River Darent
The River Darent or River Darenth is a Kentish tributary of the River Thames in England. Its name is believed to be from a Celtic word meaning 'river where oak-trees grow'...
where it joins the river Thames.
External links
Map of the route using OpenStreetMap data - Highlighted map of Darent Valley FootpathFurther reading
- Along and Around the Darent Valley Path - Sevenoaks-Dartford: Guidebook, Route Guide and Footpaths Maps Includes Ordnance Survey Maps, 1997, ISBN 978-1-873010-53-2