Saturday Walk - Hollingbourne Circular via Thurnham

Length: 21½ km† (13.3 miles). Five hours 30 minutes walking time.

"From the station you are soon striding across vast farm fields to meet the North Downs Way (NDW) at the foot of this open downland. Here,  Extension 1 joins the NDW in the opposite direction for a 6 km circuit via the small village of Thurnham and The Blackhorse Pub ("What. A. Great. Pub!" - Thomas G). The route has a steep climb and descent. This goes out across a succession of sunken lanes and hollows in the hillside, climbs to some medieval castle ruins above the village and returns via parkland, field edges and paddocks.

The optional final loop is around Leeds Castle on public footpaths. Modestly describing itself as “the Loveliest Castle in the World”, the moated setting of Leeds Castle is certainly spectacular.

Note: You are advised to use the latest directions, as the extension route was modified in May 24

Train: Get the 0955 Ashford International train from Victoria (Bromley South 1013) arriving Hollingbourne 1109. Return trains at xx:17. For those who benefit from zone 6 boundary, a ticket from Swanley is often cheaper.

Lunch: After 6 km on the Black Horse (01622-737185) in Thurnham has a patio garden at the back and serves a good selection of à la carte and regular pub meals.

Tea: About ten minutes before Hollingbourne station there are two pubs in Eyhorne Street . The Windmill , an up-market pub/restaurant, while the Sugar Loaves is a more traditional village pub. Both have back gardens away from the street. T=swc.253