Length: 14 km (8.7 miles). Toughness: 5/10
10:29 Dover train from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 10:32, London Bridge 10:38), then non-stop to Otford arriving at 11:06.
There are fast trains back to Charing Cross at xx:14 and Victoria at xx:55, plus slower Thameslink ones to Blackfriars at xx:05 & xx:35. You could also take a Thameslink train in the other direction at xx:13 & xx:43 and change at Sevenoaks for a fast train to London Bridge; a return to Otford is valid on this route.
This is a variation on the familiar Otford Circular from Book 1, with a shorter morning around the steep-sided wooded hills on the eastern side of the Darent valley followed by a slightly longer afternoon on the western side. The woodland paths in the afternoon are likely to be quite gloopy but you can skip the muddiest stretches by taking the first of the two short cuts (‘omitting Polhill Bank’).
There are several pubs and other refreshment places in Shoreham, with most walkers choosing between the Kings Arms on Church Street and The Crown at the other end of the village. If you're not in a rush to get back from Otford there's the tearoom in the Hospices of Hope shop as well as a couple of pubs before the short walk to the station.
You'll need to bring the directions from the L=swc.290 page.
1 comment:
N=16 on a w=cloudy-dry day. Firm underfoot - except for a 10m stretch in the morning which was splashy and muddy.
The normal start was fenced off cos of health and safety so we detoured a short way along the road. Then came an unrelenting uphill climb that went on for ever and ever. At the top, things levelled out and Mr Tiger was almost happy. (No sign of his normal cheery grin, but OK).
Tinges of colour in the woodlands made for a pretty walk. A sizeable number stopped at the Samuel Palmer. Those what ordered food were still waiting when the picnickers and just-drinkers moved on. Mr Tiger had cider, which had him inching further towards cheerfulness.
There was a tricky moment when 3 horses blocked a kissing gate but Mr Tiger bravely put them into reverse and cleared the way.
Otford was reached about 3 and cake was consumed in the Hospices of Hope tea room . The 15:55 was caught. A grand day out.
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