BEGINNERS HIKE 15km Castles of Kent, Lullingstone Country Park & Darent Valley
About the event
Key Info: • Distance: 9 miles (15km) • Grading: [Beginner](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) but it has 2 long steep hills, we take these gently and wait at the top • Ascent: 290m • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub
Meeting Point • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:55am train • Return: 5:21pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)
Highlights • Admire Lullingstone Castle and its tranquil lakeside setting • Walk a scenic stretch of the Darent Valley Path • Pass the site of Lullingstone Roman Villa, dating back to around 100 AD • Explore Lullingstone Country Park, home to 800-year-old trees • Visit the ruins of Eynsford Castle, a Norman fortification from 1088 • Hike beneath the striking Eynsford Rail Viaduct, with its 22m-high brick arches • Stroll through three charming Kentish villages — Otford, Shoreham and Eynsford
Hike Description We begin in the historic village of Otford, occupied for at least 3,000 years. Through the ages, it has been home to Iron Age farmers, Romans, royalty and archbishops. From here our route leads into the tranquil woods and grasslands of the Kentish countryside, reaching Shoreham before following the Darent Valley Path into the heart of the valley.
The trail takes us into the beautiful Lullingstone Country Park, internationally important for its collection of ancient trees. Beech, ash, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam all thrive here, with some specimens thought to be over 800 years old. Emerging from the woodland, we arrive at Lullingstone Castle, set beside its peaceful lake, before continuing to the site of Lullingstone Roman Villa — a rare survival of a Roman estate house first built around 100 AD.
From here we continue through rolling Kent fields, rewarded with views of the impressive Eynsford Rail Viaduct, its nine red-brick arches towering 22 metres above the valley floor.
Our hike concludes in the charming village of Eynsford, where we explore the evocative ruins of Eynsford Castle, a Norman stronghold built in 1088. With its riverside setting, ancient remains and traditional cottages, the village provides a perfect finale to a day steeped in history and countryside beauty.
Guide: • Leader: [JOHN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07508 511026
️ Food: • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)
What to Bring • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point
⚠️ Safety Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
❓ Want to Know More? • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries)
Explore More & Stay Connected [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics)
Terms and Conditions By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and…
