Over the Hills

Hannah
Dec 6, 2020
5 min read

Updated: Mar 28, 2021

Starting Point: Eynsford Recreation Ground, DA4 0AL

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 7.3miles / 11.8km

Highlights: Beautiful views over Eynsford, rolling hills, woodland walks, quaint country houses and farms, views of London (on a clear day!).

Route: This route is mostly off-road with a few short on-road sections. The off road sections are mostly on tracks through fields or woodland, as such, the pathways are uneven and can get muddy so they’re not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Some sections of this walk are pretty steep (total ascent of this walk is 200m) but it’s worth it for the views!

Parking: Parking in Eynsford is very limited. There is a small free car park on Eynsford High Street and free on street parking close to the starting point for this walk. Where possible, try to travel by other means but, if you do drive, please be mindful when parking.

Refreshments/facilities: Aside from the pubs and cafes in Eynsford at the beginning and end of this walk, there are no facilities en route so please bring refreshments and use the loo before setting off!

Step 1

Start your walk on Bower Lane with the entrance to Eynsford Recreation Ground to your left. Instead of going into the park through the gate, walk about 10 meters ahead and you’ll see a track with a gate heading diagonally to your left. This is the start of the route. Walk up the track, past the gate and you’ll come to a field. Continue on a diagonal up the field until you reach a hedgerow at the top.

Step 2

Once you reach the top, turn around and take in the wonderful view of Eynsford. Almost straight ahead, a tad to your left, you can see Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation on top of the hill, slightly below that, you should be able to make out the top of Eynsford viaduct and to the right you’ll see a small vineyard. Turn back around and you’ll see a gap in the hedge accompanied by a yellow footpath sign. Continue through the hedge and walk straight ahead for around 400m. During this time, you’ll reach the top of the hill and start to head down the other side.

Step 3

Eventually you’ll reach a small area of woodland, continue straight along the tree line, and then follow the path through the woods and out the other side. From here, walk diagonally across the field (the footpath is pretty well trodden). You’ll eventually reach a vehicle track, instead of turning left and heading towards the gate and road, continue diagonally for another 100m and you’ll reach a stile onto the road.

Step 4

Turn right and continue along Maplescombe Lane. You’ll pass various fields and houses, and eventually Maplescombe Farm. It’s still a functioning farm but most of the barns and farm houses have been developed into private residences. Many years ago, this area was filled with hop gardens; a little further ahead on your right, you’ll be able to see the original oast houses. Continue ahead until the road reaches a junction with Botsom Lane. Opposite the junction, to your right, you’ll see a gate with a bridleway sign, head up here along a short narrow path which then opens up into a field and continue to the right.

Step 5

Follow the tree lined path uphill with fields to your left and right until you reach a gate at the top. Turn left and continue along the bridleway until you reach a wooded area. Shortly after entering a wooded area, you’ll see a bench on your right. From this bench it’s possible to see the London skyline on a nice day - a great place to stop off before continuing through the woods until you reach a horse gate. The gate leads to a path which eventually becomes Cherry Tree Grove.

Step 6

Follow the lane for 700m past several houses and caravan sites. You’ll see pretty East Hill Farm on your left complete with its own phone box, post box and bus route. Just past the last barn, you’ll come to a footpath intersection on the road (complete with yellow footpath signs), go through the gate on your right.

Step 7

Continue straight ahead across two fields, through a wooded area, and across one final field, passing through gates in between each. You’ll come out on Bower Lane in front of a beautiful brick cottage aptly named Corner House. Instead of turning right down Bower Lane, cross the road and continue along Romney Street for around 200m. At the point where the road turns to the right, you’ll see the gate to a footpath straight in front of you, alongside the fence of Romney Street Farm. Follow the footpath and keep to the right when you reach a fork. After another 200m, you’ll come to a stile which takes you into a field.

Step 8

As you climb the stile, take a few seconds to take in the vista in front of you. If it’s a clear day, you should be able to catch another glimpse of the London skyline straight ahead. Once over the stile, turn right (don’t be tempted to continue straight ahead unless you fancy a detour via Shoreham!) and follow footpath around the edge of the field. You’ll see Romney Street Airstrip on your right. Continue to follow the footpath along the valley through several fields, and then a section of woodland for around 1km. On the other side of the valley, to your left, you’ll see what’s left of Austin Lodge Golf Club. The club once had 18 holes but closed in 2014 and it’s now being taken back by nature! You may see a modern white building on the hill - that’s the old clubhouse which has now been turned into a residence.

Step 9

You’ll eventually emerge from the wooded area and the footpath will start to take you down to the bottom of the valley. Follow the path through a beautiful tunnel of trees before turning right and heading along the bottom of the valley back towards Eynsford. After 300m you’ll pass a pathway on your left signposted ‘Pilcher Monument’. If you’ve got the energy left for a steep 150m climb then go and check it out. The path will take you to a monument to celebrate the life and work of Percy Pilcher a local aviation pioneer. If not, continue along the footpath until you reach a road.

Step 10

Follow Upper Austin Lodge Road for 2.5km back into Eynsford. It’s a very quiet, no through road, but keep an eye out for passing traffic. The road comes out at Eynsford station, continue past it bearing right onto Station Road which will take you back to the village. You’ll pass The Malt Shovel pub, Riverside (with the famous ford) and St Martin’s Church before arriving back at Bower Lane on your right. If you’re a bit parched after over 10km of walking (and quite rightly so!), consider visiting one of Eynsford’s lovely pubs or cafes for a well deserved refreshment before heading home. As always, don’t forget to leave comments and tag us in your pics on social media, seeing people enjoying our walks makes it all worth it!

Download printable PDF instructions:

Follow this route in OS Maps:

https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/7150829/Over-the-Hills