Sunday Walk: Eynsford Circular via Farningham

4km 8.7 miles Difficulty 4/10

Trains: get the 9:44 Sevenoaks stopping train from Victoria, arriving 10:36 

Trains return xx:41

Up the hill and round past Eagle Heights. Up there you get good views of the Eynsford viaduct and Eynsford Castle. Later, a stretch along the Darent leads to Farningham, then Horton Kirby. The return to Eynsford includes a stretch through a nature reserve then open hillside. Eynsford boasts a ruined castle if you have time. Open to 4pm.

Lunch: Choose between Lion Hotel 01322 860621 in Farningham with its riverside beer garden which you pass twice. There, you can puzzle over the strange structure in the river (it's a “cattle-screen”). The Fighting Cocks (01322-862299) in Horton Kirby is more centrally placed. As always, it's advisable to book if you want to be sure of something more than a bowl of chips. Both pubs are near picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own 

Tea Eynsford boasts the Castle, the 5 Bells and the Malt Shovel You’re more likely to find room in the 5 Bells.

Directions: here  Short walk 1, omitting the Southern loop is suggested but feel free to do the full 10.7 miles if desired.  t=swc.419

Note that the Roman Villa mentioned in the directions has been closed for, like forever.