Whether you are familiar with Eynsford or have never been to that side of the world, the Eynsford circular walk is perfect for a day out. Easily accessible from London, with points of interest along the way, this walk is suited for all types of hikers from casual to those with more experience. With breathtaking views of the rolling Kent countryside and the Darent Valley, this walk offers different types of landscapes. Not another “always the same” walk!
It is not the first time I hike near Eynsford or in Kent for that matter. But this time is different as we chose to do a loop. The benefit of a circular walk is that it is easier for transport whether you opt for public transport or for driving. It is also cheaper if you go by train as you can buy a day return ticket so that you are left with more money to spend at the pub at the end. And this walk even has 2 pub stops. What more do you need?
Logistics for the Eynsford Circular Walk
- Distance: 12.5 miles (20.10 km)
- Ascent: 1181 ft (360 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Train from London Blackfriars to Eynsford. It takes 55 minutes by direct train.
- Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes
- Train from Charing Cross to Eynsford. The journey takes 40 minutes or 1 hour depending on the train.
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- What to bring with you: Comfortable footwear and clothing, depending on the weather bring your rain gear or a headcover and sunscreen, gaiters as the path can get really muddy, water (2L recommended), snacks (but no lunch as you’ll end at the pub), money
- Additional Information: Toilets are available at the King’s Arms in Shoreham where we stop for a mid-way break
Highlights of the Eynsford Circular Walk
- Eynsford village
- Eynsford Viaduct
- Castle Farm Shop
- Lullingstone Castle
- Darent River
- Drink(s) or coffee at the Kings Arms in Shoreham
- Sunday roast at the Castle Inn in Eynsford
Eynsford Circular Walk
Accessible to hikers and walkers of all levels, whether it is your first or you have more experience, this levelled hike is perfect for a day out and a Sunday roast with friends!
Eynsford to Shoreham
Eynsford
We start the walk in the village of Eynsford, Kent, in the Darent Valley, surrounded by farmland and woods. If you have time to roam around the village, you can find a 16th Century Plough Inn, an old mill, and a Norman Castle built in 1088. As you come out of the station and walk on Station Road towards the river, you find a ford alongside a Stonebridge. Cross over the bridge and walk along the river. When the path divides, take the one going away from the river and onto the fields.
There you are welcome by cows grazing in the meadows. Continue on that trail and take the time to admire the beauty of the undulating Kent countryside.
You arrive at Lullingstone Golf Course. Mind the golf balls and walk along the course until you reach a forested area. You enter Beechen Wood for a short walk and come out on the other side back in the golden fields. passing by Coombe Hollow and Cockerhust Farms. You then arrive at the locality of Darenthdale where the route diverges. From there, You have then the choice between the “forest path” or the “view path“. What I mean by “view path” is that you are walking on the ridge of the hill, therefore you get a perfect view over the valley. It is up to you!
The White Cross
Personally, I prefer the “view path” as there is a perfect spot for a break as you arrive at the World War I memorial, with a white cross cut into the chalky hill. There, you can find benches that are perfect for a snack break. Alternatively, if you opted for the “wood path“, you would have to find a log to enjoy your break.
After you finish your snack break, continue on the path until you reach the edge of the forest. There you find a gate and on the other side are ponies blocking the way. I have been on a hike before passing by that same gate, and they were there as well preventing us from going any further. We believe they are Shetland ponies based on their short size, hairy legs and long mane as well as their bad attitude. Be mindful when opening the gate, not to scare or provoke them. If you take your time and approach them calmly, they will let you stroke them.
Go down the hill, cross over the Darent River and continue until you reach the Darenth Valley Golf Course. After the horses, now you need to watch out for golf balls (again); there are so many hazards on this hike! Cut across the Gold Course and you arrive at Shoreham.
Related Content: Otford to Eynsford Walk
Shoreham back to Eynsford
Shoreham
Formerly a smuggling area, Shoreham is sadly known to be the most bombed village of Britain during World War II. I would recommend, if you have time, to stop at the King’s Arms for a coffee/drink and a toilet break. This traditional British pub has one of the last Jolly Ostler windows in the country.
Get back on the road and start by walking along the river. If you did not stop at the chalk cross for a snack break, you can alternatively stop here as there is a lovely picnic area with tables as you enter the road alongside the vines. Continue on that trail and as you get closer to the Castle Farm Shop, you can start seeing pumpkins on the fields (FYI, I did that walk in October).
The Castle Farm Shop
When you arrive in front of the shop, should you be doing that walk in October time, there is a pumpkin market where you can find pumpkins of all sorts, with various shapes and colours. If you were planning on making a soup, or simply doing some carving, you will definitely find what you need.
Enter the shop, and you can continue your Halloween shopping with a selection of home decorations, outfit accessories and sweets. Of course, the Castle Farm Shop traditionally sells products that are made with Lavender from the fields. Therefore, you can find sprays, soaps and oil as well as cakes and teas. Make your way to the backroom where the Christmas decoration is making an appearance. How to kill 2 birds with one stone!
If you are interested in pumpkin picking, check out the Pumpkin Picking in Kent article to learn more about the Stanhill Farm pumpkin patch.
Lullingstone Castle
With your backpack full of dried lavender bags, jams (and a pumpkin?), continue walking along the river. Depending on the season when you are doing the walk, note that this part of the hike can get extremely muddy. Gaiters are highly recommended. From there, it won’t be long before you reach Lullingstone Castle.
The two-tower gated castle and its Manor House belongs to the Hart Dyke family. It is also the home of the World Garden of Plants, designed by the heir of the family, the botanist Tom Hart Dyke. The gardens are open to the public from April to October.
Whether you chose to visit the Castle and its garden or simply take a picture of the impressive gate and move on, you have reached the last stretch of this walk.
Concrete path haters, beware!
From the Castle to Eynsford you would be sharing the road with oncoming cars and have to repeatedly squizz to one side and stop to let the cars go.
Viaduct and Pub
However, you would be rewarded for your efforts as you get to go under the Eynsford Viaduct. Inaugurated in 1862, this 75 feet (22 metres) tall viaduct counts 9 arches. Once you have passed the viaduct, you can walk alongside the river until you reach Eynsford village.
Cross over the bridge (the same stone bridge you crossed at the beginning) to get to the High Street. Here you can find a selection of restaurants and pubs, and my recommendation for you to end this walk with the perfect comfort food is the Castle Inn. With a selection of Sunday roasts coming in four different sizes, served in a traditional British pub atmosphere, what more do you need to end the day on a good note?
Bon appetit!
Eynsford Circular Walk Map
If you want to hike the Eynsford Circular walk described in this post, download the map below by clicking on the download button. Please note that the map is in GPX format. To upload and read it with your navigation app, please see my step-by-step guide here.
Have you ever hiked near Eynsford? Let me know about your adventure in the comments below.
Like this walk? Pin it!
