Eynsford Little Loop
- Hannah
- Nov 23, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 28, 2021
This short loop showcases the best parts of Eynsford in just over 3km but can be extended for those of you who like to be out a little longer. There's plenty to see along the way and it's special in all seasons.
Starting Point: Eynsford Castle, DA4 0AA
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3miles / 4.8km or 4.7miles / 7.5km extended route
Highlights: The Ford, Eynsford Viaduct, level crossing, Eagle Heights Wildlife Centre and Lullingstone Villa plus Lullingstone Castle for those on the longer route.
Route: This route is a mixture of on-road and off-road walking and is fairly flat with some gentle inclines. The route isn’t suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs since some of the paths are uneven and go through fields which can get quite muddy. There are also some steps and a couple of stiles to climb over in order to cross the railway line so bear that in mind.
Parking: Parking in Eynsford is very limited. There is free parking for a handful of cars available at Eynsford Castle and a small free car park on Eynsford High Street. Where possible, please try to walk from home, catch a train or bus or travel in as few vehicles as possible. If the car parks are full, it’s possible to park on most of the roads in Eynsford but please do so responsibly!
Refreshments/facilities: Riverside Tea Room near the beginning of the walk (Step 2) serves take away drinks from their van outside. There are also toilets available for customers. A cafe and toilets are also available at Lullingstone Roman Villa (Step 4). For those on the longer route, Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre at Step E2 has a small cafe and toilets. Please check the opening hours directly.
Step 1
Start at Eynsford Castle and spend 10 minutes looking around the Medieval site before setting off. It was built by William de Enysford in the 11th Century and some parts of the wall survive to their full height. If you want to find out more, there are several information boards throughout the site.
Step 2
Head out of the castle grounds and back to the main road, the Castle Hotel should be in front of you, then turn right. Walk along Eynsford High Street for about 200m until you reach Riverside, you’ll see the ford on your right. Cross the ford via the bridge (or go for a paddle if you prefer!) and follow the river along until you can’t continue.
Step 3
Follow the road as it bears right, after another 200m you’ll see a field on your left with Highland cows. Continue to follow the road and you’ll soon see Eynsford Viaduct in front of you. The viaduct hosts the Sevenoaks-London and Maidstone-London line as well as quite a few freight routes so it’s fairly likely you’ll see a train or two pass over it. Just in front of the viaduct is a bridge over the river, it makes for a great photo spot. After walking under the viaduct, continue to follow the road for 600m and you’ll reach Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Step 4
Pass the car park and Roman Villa site and take the footpath almost immediately on your right. It’s marked by a yellow footpath sign and has some gently inclining wooden steps. For those taking the longer route, continue straight ahead instead of turning left and skip to the extension instructions now.
Step 5
Follow the path, first through a wooded area and then out into a field. After approx 500m, turn right to walk along the top of the field (so the hedge is on your left).
Step 6
On the other side of the hedge is Eagle Heights Wildlife Centre - one of the UK’s largest Bird of Prey Centres. When the hedge changes direction, don’t be tempted to follow it to the left, instead continue to walk straight ahead, the pathway should be well trodden and easy to spot.
Step 7
You’ll soon reach a gate on to the road. If you fancy popping into Eagle Heights for a visit, take a left here (entry fees apply). If not, cross the road and take the gate into the opposite field. From here, you’ll need to head diagonally across the field (the path should be pretty well trodden and clear) through a gap in the hedge, and continue on the same diagonal path across the field towards the foot level crossing. In spring/summer last year the field was filled with beautiful wild poppies so if you’re visiting in April-July time, keep your eyes peeled.
Step 8
After very carefully crossing the tracks (and maybe waiting to watch a train come past), continue diagonally across the field. The path will come out just opposite the Highland cows we saw earlier. From here on in it’s the same route as you took earlier back to the car - past the cows, along the river, over the bridge then left to the Castle Hotel. Consider stopping at one of Eynsford’s lovely pubs on the way back for a well deserved coffee, beer or Sunday roast and don’t forget to leave comments and tag us in your pics on social media!
Extended Walk
Step E1
Continue straight ahead on the path for approx 600m until you reach Lullingstone Castle. It’s one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. Again, continue walking straight ahead (do not turn right up the bridleway) into a wooded area with the River Darent running alongside the path.
Step E2
After 500m you’ll reach Lullingstone Country Park and the visitor centre. Walk up the steps to the car park and continue straight through the car park following the signs for Lullingstone Country Park. It’s a nice spot for a picnic or a drink if you have one and there are plenty of picnic benches and toilets too. Ensure you take the right hand path and continue to follow it to the right. You’ll enter a wooded area and then the path will straighten out. Continue along this path for 750m, Lullingstone Golf Course on your left
and fields to your right.
Step E3
The path will merge with another, follow it round to the left, walk around the clump of trees (on your left), and at the edge of this clump, turn right. Again, the golf course to your left and fields to your right. Follow this path around the perimeter of the golf course for almost 1km.
Step E4
When the path splits, follow it to the right. You’ll walk right in-between two fields and after 350m the path enters a wooded area and bends to the right. Shortly after this you’ll see a left turn which will have you walking along the top hedgerow of a field. Congratulations you’ve made it! Skip back to Step 6.
Download printable PDF instructions:
Follow this route in OS Maps:
Extended:
Short route:
Extended route:
* Please remember to follow the countryside code and behave respectfully and responsibly when enjoying these routes *
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