SWC 7: Knockholt Circular t=swc.7
Distance: 11.8 Miles or 18.5 km for those more metrically minded
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:35 AM train service from London Cannon Street (stopping at London Bridge 9:40), arriving at Knockholt at 10:20. If you miss this train, you can take the 9:49 from Cannon Street/9:54 from London Bridge and change onto the specified train at Orpington (arrive 10:00; depart 10:14). Return trains from Knockholt are at 28 and 58 past the hour…. Buy a day return to Knockholt.
This is a charming little walk on the doorstep of London’s southeast suburbs. Notwithstanding its start point being in zone 6, it is a completely rural walk, and the route covers very pretty and undulating terrain. There are several wooded sections which may have some final foliage clinging the branches of the trees. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
There are two pubs to choose from for lunch in Downe – The Queen’s Head (suggested) and the George and Dragon (8 km into the walk). Also, a little further on is the Blacksmiths Arms in Cudham (10 km) into the walk. Tea is traditionally had at Arthur’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant located in Coolings Nurseries (2.6 km from the end of the walk). For those looking for stronger stuff, the Rose and Crown in Halstead is 2 km from the end of the walk.
Enjoy the walk!
1 comment:
#4 met at the posted start time and set off swiftly. With generally good conditions under foot the pace was brisk, only slowed down by occasional muddy sections and a handful of puddles. There was talk of bypassing Downes but, the one walker who hadn’t been on this walk before convinced the others to give a whistle stop tour.
All stopped for sandwiches in the grounds of Crudham Recreation Ground (just past the cemetery of Saint Peter's & St. Paul's Church) and on a less #windy day this would be a lovely spot to enjoy a longer lunch. A quick beer in The Blacksmith’s Arms was well deserved and enjoyed.
All four set off again and stuck together until 3, keen to evade the forecasted rain in the afternoon, took the short cut through New Year’s Wood. The separation was only temporary though and the four were reunited at the station for the 15:28 train, where all agreed it was a charming walk in delightful company.
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