The Paper Trail

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A great little route suitable for most. You’ll be treated to far reaching views over the local area without any steep inclines, pass by two historic mills, go over and under the railway line and stroll through rolling fields.

Starting Point: Westminster Fields, Horton Kirby, DA4 9GR

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 3.5miles / 5.7km

Highlights: Village streets, hop gardens, paper mill and chimney, Horton Kirby viaduct, train crossings, rolling fields, great views.

Route: Mostly off-road, this mid-length route starts with a short walk through the village, heads up above Horton Kirby through rolling fields, crosses train tracks, and visits a farm before traversing back down into the village, under the viaduct and following the river Darent back to the start. There are no stiles to climb - only gates and most of the footpaths are fairly even (although some can get quite muddy) so the route should be suitable for most able-bodied people but you may struggle with pushchairs.

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 7 and continue from there.

Refreshments/facilities: There are toilet facilities at Horton Kirby car park and several pubs (plus a Co-op) at the beginning and end sections of the walk so plenty of places to stop for a drink or post walk snack/meal.

Step 1

Start at Westminster Fields and cross the bridge over the river Darent, you’ll see the weir on your right. This used to be the site of Westminster Corn Mill which was in operation from the early 1700s until it burnt down when it was struck by lightning in 1908. Continue straight ahead to join The St and then turn left onto Horton Road. You’ll pass St Mary’s church which was first built on this site in 1225 before reaching Jacob’s Lane. Cross the road and you’ll see a gate up and to your right, marked with a yellow footpath sign.

Step 2

Continue through the gate and follow the path diagonally across the field. Depending on the season the field might contain some interesting crops to walk through like wheat or maize. Hops have been grown in the village for hundreds of years and to your left you’ll see one of Horton Kirby’s few remaining hop gardens. When you reach the edge of the field, cross Skinney Lane and continue to follow the footpath diagonally across several rolling fields. You’ll slowly traverse the hills surrounding Horton Kirby and South Darenth and should be able to see some of the village’s main landmarks including the viaduct and the chimney of the old paper mill.

Step 3

You’ll eventually reach another intersection with Rabbits Road. Cross the road and follow the footpath straight ahead before crossing the London to Dover railway line. The line runs through a very deep cutting which was constructed mainly by hand in the late 1850’s - a pretty impressive sight. Follow the tree line straight ahead until you reach Gill’s Farm, walk through the gate and through the farm following the footpath signs until you come out on Gill’s Road.

Step 4

Cross the road and follow the footpath sign into a field straight ahead. Walk along the tracks following them round to the left and then as they turn back to the right again. Just after turning right, you need to follow a footpath on your left which cuts across the field back towards the road. It's not particularly well trodden but you should be able to make it out. You’ll come out on a junction with Holmesdale Hill, St Margaret’s Road and Gill’s Road.

Step 5

Turn left and begin to walk along Gill’s Road for around 20 meters until the road turns to the left. Instead of turning with the road, continue through a gap in the hedge into a field and walk straight ahead. Walk along the ridge between two fields until you reach a more established track. Turn right to walk along the track towards South Darenth, and then follow the track to the left (you’ll see a yellow footpath marker). You should be able to see a 230 feet (70 m) high chimney in the village. It belongs to Horton Kirby’s old paper mill which was built in the 1820s. More recently, there was a factory at the site but that closed in 2003 and since then it’s been converted into mainly private residences. Follow the footpath to the right, around the edge of the field until you reach a road - East Hill.

Step 6

Exit the field via the gate and turn right, then turn left onto New Road. Follow the road downhill then turn left onto Horton Road at the junction. In front of you you’ll see Horton Kirby Viaduct. The viaduct was designed by Victorian architect Joseph Cubitt, known for designing the original Blackfriars Bridge in London and built in 1859. It has 10 arches each approximately 10 metres wide and 20 metres in height. Walk under the viaduct and cross the road, to The Bridges pub. Turn right down Station Road crossing the bridge over the river, then cross station road and follow the footpath alongside the river back towards Horton Kirby.

Step 7

Follow the winding riverside path back to Westminster Fields - the end point of the walk. It’s a peaceful but often muddy stretch of path, especially in the winter months! If you’ve walked up an appetite or are feeling a bit parched, the Fighting Cocks pub is just down the road or, if it’s nice weather, Westminster Fields are a great place for a summer picnic! Please remember to leave a comment on our site and tag your pictures with #darentvalleywalks to share your walk with us!

Download printable PDF instructions:

The Paper Trail.pdf

Download PDF • 379KB

Follow this route in OS Maps:

https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/7111105/The-Paper-Trail

* Please remember to follow the countryside code and behave respectfully and responsibly when enjoying these routes *