Horton Kirby Little Loop
- Hannah
- Mar 29, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 13, 2021
This short loop showcases some of the best parts of Horton Kirby 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 perfect for little legs!
Starting Point: Westminster Fields, Horton Kirby, DA4 9GR
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.9 miles / 3.2km or 3 miles / 4.9km extended route
Highlights: Westminster Fields, Hundred Year Wood, Chambers Fruit Farm, crossing the railway line, Horton Kirby Viaduct, The River Darent plus more riverside walking and a stroll through the village on the extended route.
Route: This is an easy walk with no steep hills and just one gentle incline. The route includes both paved and off-road sections but is relatively easy underfoot for most but as it’s off-road, it’s not really suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The riverside section towards the end of the route can get pretty muddy and is liable to flood when there’s been heavy rainfall so make sure you wear wellies!
Parking: Parking in Horton Kirby is very limited. There is a free car park at Westminster Fields but this can fill up fast, especially on nice days. It’s possible to park on the road in much of the village near to the start point but please be respectful and mindful of others when parking. Where possible, it’s always best to travel by other means. Farningham Road train station isn’t far away - just pick up the walk at Step 4 and continue from there.
Refreshments/facilities: There are toilet facilities at Horton Kirby car park at the beginning and end of the route but isn’t anywhere else en-route. The Fighting Cocks pub in the village is a great place to stop off for a post-walk drink or meal.
Step 1
Start your walk from the car park at Westminster Fields. Follow the main footpath diagonally across the fields towards the direction of the main road. You’ll continue along a paved footpath until you reach the Hundred Year Wood on your left hand side. The wood isn’t 100 years old - yet! It was actually planted in 1994 to commemorate 100 years of the Parish Council's existence. Depending on the season, there are lots of different plants and wildlife to look out for. Turn left and wander the short distance through the wood before rejoining the paved footpath just before the main road.
Step 2
Carefully cross the A225 in front of you and a few metres ahead you’ll see the entrance to WB Chambers Farm on your left accompanied by a yellow footpath marker. Turn left and continue straight up the drive of the farm until you reach the first poly tunnels (or frames in the winter). Follow the signposts and footpath diagonally to your right, around the edge of the poly tunnel and back to a main track. You’ll find yourself in the middle of one of WD Chamber’s fruit farms. WB Chambers are the largest independent cane fruit grower in the UK, during the spring and summer you can expect to see raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and more inside the tunnels, along with many hard working growers and pickers!
Step 3
Turn right onto the main track and walk towards the large gate. You’ll cross a bridge over the Chatham mainline railway and will be able to see Farningham Road station on your right. If you’ve timed it well you may be able to spot a train or two too! Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right and follow the footpath alongside the railway back towards the village. When you come to a fork in the path, continue straight ahead instead of turning left and this footpath will bring you back to the main road.
Step 4
Turn right onto the A225 and walk underneath the railway bridge. Cross the road carefully and continue left down Station Road. Continue along this road for approx 300m until you reach a bridge over the River Darent. You’ll see Horton Kirby Viaduct in front of you/to the left. The viaduct was built in 1859-60 and has 10 arches each approximately 10 metres wide and 20 metres in height. Don’t cross the bridge, instead, cross the road and follow the footpath to the right of the river. It’s marked with a yellow footpath marker.
Step 5
This footpath winds alongside the River Darent and is one of my favourite stretches of footpath in the area (except when it’s really muddy!). On your left you’ll pass several local gardens, a paddock and an old hop garden which was removed last year, on your right are Horton Kirby fishing lakes.
Step 6
Follow the meandering river path for approx 500m and you’ll arrive back into Westminster Fields via a gate. Continue straight ahead to arrive back at the starting point or, if you’d like to walk a bit further, continue to step E1. Consider enjoying a picnic in the fields or popping to The Fighting Cocks pub just around the corner for a drink before heading home and remember to tag us in your photos and leave a comment if you enjoyed this route!
Step E1
To add a further 1.5km to this route and see a little more of the area, continue through the park, past the car park and through a gate at the other side of the field. This path continues through some peaceful fields and then into a wooded area alongside the River Darenth for a further 500m, it’s a quieter stretch with beautiful trees and foliage.
Step E2
When you reach Frank’s Lane, turn left and cross the bridge then continue along the road for 50m. On your left, you’ll spot a gate and footpath marked with a green ‘footpath’ sign - follow this path along the tree line back towards the village. When you arrive in a large field, follow the footpath to the left continuing to stick to the tree line and the edge of the field. The footpath will bring you out through the bushes on the corner of Ray’s Hill and The Street.
Step E3
Continue straight ahead along The Street to stroll past some of Horton Kirby’s beautiful stone houses. You’ll pass the Fighting Cocks pub on your left - they do a great Sunday lunch and have a lovely garden with a play area for the kids. Continue along the road for a further 200m and when the road starts to bend to the right, follow the footpath sign to the left. You’ll cross a bridge past the weir and back into the car park where you started. If you enjoyed the walk - don’t forget to leave a comment on the site and tag us in your photos!
Download printable PDF instructions:
Follow this route in OS Maps:
Extended route:
* Please remember to follow the countryside code and behave respectfully and responsibly when enjoying these routes *
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