The walk follows a familiar SWC route out of Tunbridge Wells via the town commons and Hurst Wood, mainly uphill but nothing too strenuous. It joins the Wealdway shortly before the hamlet of Modest Corner. A delightful section follows, through Brookhurst Field and Birch Wood on the outskirts of Bidborough, where you can stop for lunch. You then cut across Haysden Country Park, following a section of the River Medway.
Lunch: The Kentish Hare Bidborough, TN3 0XB after 4.5 Miles (7.3km.) Tel: 01892 525709 , http://www.thekentishhare.com/
There is a churchyard with fine views for picnics.
The turn off for the Tonbridge finish is near the end of the walk, and starts at para 23 in the directions. Looking at the map, going a bit further and taking The Wealdway would be an alternative route into Tonbridge.
Trains:
Get the 0945 Hastings train from Charing Cross (London Bridge 0954) arriving 1040. Buy return to Tunbridge Wells. Return trains to Charing Cross, from Hildenbouroug xx22. From Tonbridge xx07, xx18, xx37, xx50.
Trains:
Get the 0945 Hastings train from Charing Cross (London Bridge 0954) arriving 1040. Buy return to Tunbridge Wells. Return trains to Charing Cross, from Hildenbouroug xx22. From Tonbridge xx07, xx18, xx37, xx50.
Lunch: The Kentish Hare Bidborough, TN3 0XB after 4.5 Miles (7.3km.) Tel: 01892 525709 , http://www.thekentishhare.com/
There is a churchyard with fine views for picnics.
Tea: Hildenboroug, The Half Moon, a short diversion from the route, but 23 minutes (Google) from the station.
Basil Café, 30 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1EJ which is open 9-4.30 (last orders)
6 comments:
Another possible tea option, reached by a very short diversion off the walk route, is the kiosk cafe just beyond the southwest corner of Barden Lake. It is open till 5pm.
If anyone feels inspired to take this walk off me, they are most welcome to do so. I am downsizing in my declining years! Mike
Given the late start, I may well take a train one or two before from London Bridge.
Late Start! No. What’s the rush with long summer evenings still here.
I think these walks start discouragingly early…it takes best part of an hour to get to the mainline stations to begin with.
I am going to guess that there were about #15# at the station, including one newcomer, on a #warm_and_cloudless# day.
Most of the group stopped at the Kentish Hare is where the deal is £35 for two courses, £40 for three, with just four £9 bar snacks outside this formula. Service was warm and attentive.
Many gathered at The Half Moon for half an hour or so before taking the 16:20 train.
I would describe this walk as pleasant, with little to remember it for beyond an abundance of blackberries.
The Kentish Hare is now quite upmarket but a few of us had the more substantial main course bar meals which featured burgers, salad and fish and chips, which everyone seemed satisfied with. 2 stopped for tea at the Ridings Cafe, just a bit further on than the Half Moon. This is recommended with pleasant courtyard seating and very good cakes. It closes at 5 weekdays, 4 Saturdays and 3 on Sundays.
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