Walking in Kent. Kev Reynolds

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      The lake walk option follows this track towards Westerham

      For the main route, follow the track uphill, curving left near the brow of the hill where Squerryes Farm can be seen below. At a junction of paths go through a kissing gate on the right, walk through a wooded grove, over a narrow field and along a fenced path which soon descends steeply, with views of Westerham below and the North Downs ahead, to reach a track by Park Lodge at TQ 444 536.

      Walk ahead along the track to a pond seen on the left. On the right a concrete footbridge crosses the Darent stream, with a footpath leading along the bottom edge of a sloping meadow. Eventually come to a kissing gate on the left. Through this the way takes you along Water Lane into Westerham opposite the green where the walk began.

WALK 4

      Crockham Hill to Toys Hill and Obriss Farm

      This particular walk is just one of many possibilities in this western corner of the county where footpaths abound and broad panoramas capture scenes of great natural beauty. It’s countryside that was known and loved by Octavia Hill, one of the co-founders of the National Trust, who walked these same footpaths, fought to keep them open, and now lies buried in Crockham Hill churchyard.

      Much of the walk has Octavia Hill connections, either through the National Trust, or from more personal association. She lies at rest close to the start of the walk, and within the first mile the route passes a cottage she once owned, a seat erected by her in memory of her mother, a hilltop saved by her for the nation, and one of the Trust’s most popular properties (Chartwell). At Toys Hill there are woodlands named in Octavia Hill’s memory, another cottage once owned by her, and a well that she sank for use by the villagers. As you step out along these paths and enjoy the magnificent views, spare a moment to consider the effect her tremendous vision had on our ability to enjoy open access to this countryside – and give thanks.

      Begin on the road leading to the church in Crockham Hill – it is signed from the B2026. Where the lane curves left for the final approach to the church go ahead through a kissing gate beside a field gate, into a meadow at a dedicated picnic area. Cross slightly left ahead towards a gate in a fence and maintain direction on a grass path leading over the undulating meadow which was drastically reshaped by a landslip in 1596.

      The path brings you to a second kissing gate and a footbridge over a stream. Rise up the left-hand side of the next meadow, then over a stile continue up 134 steps between gardens to pass a thatched cottage half hidden behind a fence and shrubs. Coming onto a lane opposite a converted oasthouse once owned by Octavia Hill, turn left for about 400 metres until reaching the B2026 shortly after passing the attractive Froghole Farm (built 1559).

      At least a dozen oasthouses stand in and around Crockham Hill, proving that the village was once at the heart of a major hop growing region. Wild hops may still be seen growing among the hedgerows, but Kent’s commercial hop industry has declined dramatically since the Second World War, and there are now no hop gardens left in this corner of the county. Much of this decline is due to competition from abroad, and other economic factors. On Walk 9, the oasthouse at Bough Beech Visitor Centre contains a small but interesting display all about hop growing, and is recommended.

      On the slope of Mariners Hill, Froghole Farm was built in 1559

      Climb more steps immediately on your right, and continue ahead at crossing paths. The right-hand path leads through trees to a seat erected by Octavia Hill in memory of her mother, then continues over Mariners Hill – saved for the nation by Octavia’s efforts – where there’s another seat with a huge view. Keep ahead alongside a fence with the crown of Mariners Hill to the right, then veer left among trees. The path curves to the right and forks. Keep to the right-hand option alongside the boundary fence of a solitary house, and shortly after crossing its drive, the way begins to slope downhill. After about 250 metres you’ll see a broad path/track on the left. Turn right here on a gravel path which descends between more trees, eventually coming onto a country road a little south of Chartwell, home of Winston Churchill for many years, but now open to the public via the National Trust (see Walk 3).

      Turn right along the road for about 30 metres, then cut left on a drive leading to Chartwell Farm. Keeping to the left-hand side of the farmhouse (magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas in early summer), you then pass alongside two sets of oasthouses and go through a kissing gate onto a track. Keep ahead over a stile beside a gate, soon veering slightly right on a hedge-lined path that eventually brings you onto Puddledock Lane at TQ 462 509, where you turn left.

      Passing the few houses of Puddledock, follow the narrow lane for ½ mile/800 metres uphill towards Toys Hill. A few paces beyond the entrance to Little Toys, turn right on a short driveway that leads to Bardogs Farmhouse. Another 200 metres up the lane СКАЧАТЬ