Shoreham Little Loop

Hannah
Dec 26, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Mar 28, 2021

For a short walk, this route packs a lot in! There's panoramic views, woodland walks, rivers, bridges, vineyards and wonderful village vistas. This is a great walk for families wanting to explore without walking too far. There's also a special festive addition to this route for the holiday season!

Starting Point: Shoreham Aircraft Museum, TN14 7TD

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Length: 1.9miles / 3.1km

Highlights: Shoreham Village, Shoreham Cross, The Mount Vineyard, panoramic views of the Darent Valley.

Route: This route is a mixture of on and off road walking however Shoreham village is very picturesque and the roads are usually fairly quiet so the on-road sections are as enjoyable as the more rural parts of the walk. The walk starts with a pretty steep (and often muddy) incline but after that it’s all flat or downhill so don’t panic at the start! There are several uneven or narrow pathways so it's not really suitable for pushchairs - make sure you wear your wellies in the winter too as it's pretty muddy!

Parking: Parking in Shoreham is pretty limited so, as always, it’s better to use another method of transport to get to the start point if possible. There are two small, free car parks in the village - Shoreham Station and Filston Lane and on-road parking is also available. As always, if you do choose to park in the village, please do so responsibly and respectfully.

Refreshments/facilities: We’re not going to stray too far from the village on this route so there are plenty of places to grab a drink or some lunch at the beginning or end of the walk. En-route there won’t be any refreshment opportunities or toilet facilities so bear this in mind before you set off.

Step 1

This route starts on Shoreham High Street by the Aircraft Museum and Tearooms. Walk up the track next to the tearooms, it’s a short, narrow street called The Landway marked with a footpath sign and will which bring you out in Shoreham Recreation Ground. Continue to follow the pathway straight ahead with the park to your right until you reach a gate. From here you’re heading straight up the hill. It’s a little steep but not far and I promise it’ll be worth it! You’ll walk along a narrow pathway before coming out into a field where you’ll be able to see Shoreham Cross to your right. Continue to head straight, along the fence line, and into the woods until you read an intersection.

Step 2

At the intersection, turn right and after 200m you’ll reach the Shoreham Cross with its accompanying panoramic views. The cross was dug in 1920 in memory of those who lost their lives in the Great War. It was the idea of Shoreham resident Samuel Cheeseman and was created by removing the turf to expose the white chalk of the hill. After soaking up the view, continue along the hillside, following the path to the edge of the wood. You’ll see a large house, Darent House, on your left and come to a clearing with a vehicle gate to your left and a pedestrian gate to your right. Take the pedestrian gate into a field and follow the pathway along the left hand side of the field until you reach a gate back on to the High Street.

Step 3

Cross straight over the High Street and continue down Mill Lane for 150m until you reach the end of the road. There’s a pathway to your left but don’t go this way, instead, follow the path around the corner to your right. You’ll pass Mill House on your left; the building was developed into a paper mill in the 1690s and remained in operation until 1926, before reaching a bridge across the river Darent. Cross the bridge and take the path straight ahead instead of the right hand turn, continue heading away from the river.

Step 4

Follow this path for around 500m, passing various fields on your left and right. You’ll pass vineyards belonging to the Mount Vineyard. According to them, the unique micro-climate of the Darent Valley is a great place to produce wine. Evidence suggests wine was produced in the valley during Roman times but they’ve been making a variety of wines at The Mount since 2008. Wine enthusiasts might like to prebook a wine tasting session or stop by for lunch en-route. You’ll eventually reach an intersection of paths at the corner of four fields, turn right.

Step 5

Follow the edge of the field until you reach St Peter & St Paul’s Church on your right. Take the gate to head into the church grounds and follow the path straight ahead until you reach the road - Church Street. This path to the village is planted with Irish yews, and is said to date from 1867, it’s a beautiful sight on a sunny day. Continue straight ahead on Church Street heading back into the village. If you want to pay Mount Vineyard or their shop, Ten Acres, a visit then you’ll pass the entrance on your right.

Step 6

Continue to follow Church Street across the bridge passing by the old Post Office, The King’s Arms and lots of beautiful cottages. At the junction, turn right onto the High Street to continue back to your starting point. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider stopping at one of Shoreham’s lovely pubs or cafes before you head home 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!