Length: 15½ km (9.6 miles). Shorter afternoon options are available. Toughness: 3/10
10:04 Dover Priory service from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 10.07, London Bridge 10.13), changing at Tonbridge (arr 10:47, dep 11:01) for the Redhill train and arriving Penshurst at 11:09.
If you prefer to travel on the (less expensive) via Redhill ticket, the Thameslink Three Bridges service leaves London Bridge at 10.21 (Norwood Junction 10.32, East Croydon 10.36), changing Redhill (arr 10.52, dep 11.00) for the Tonbridge service to arrive at Penshurst 13 minutes after the others at 11.22
If you have any "Any Permitted" route ticket you can travel back from Penshurst on the hourly trains in either direction via Redhill at xx:09 and via Tonbridge at xx:22. If you've travelled out on a cheaper "via Redhill" ticket you'll need to return the same way.
This walk takes in the area around Bough Beech Reservoir, a large body of water tucked away in the Wealden countryside which is surprisingly well-hidden until you get close. The suggested lunch stop is in the hamlet of Bough Beech, which you should reach about 2hrs 15 mins into the walk. You'll need to book a table at the up-market Wheatsheaf if you want an indoor table for lunch. For a picnic, look out for a spot along the morning route, otherwise walkers have previously sat in a pleasant field behind the pub garden. From Bough Beech the main route follows the longer of the three possible afternoon routes via Chiddingstone and/or Penshurst village as well. Other, less familiar and shorter afternoon routes are available (see the clickable map on this walk's web page). All routes return to Penshurst station where the Little Brown Jug provides a pleasant place to wait for a homeward-bound train.
Be sure to download the latest version of the directions from the L=swc.300 page. If you're printing the directions and know which afternoon route you'll be taking, you can save paper by clicking that option.
4 comments:
The Wheatsheaf aren't keen on groups dropping in unannounced at weekends when they're at their busiest so please book ahead if you plan to eat there.
It is worth noting that the alternative, later, lunch pub on this walk - the Castie Inn in Chiddingfold - is closed for works at present, though the tea rooms in the village were open last time I looked.
I have booked a table at the Wheatsheaf for 4 people at 13:30, I will be there, Joanna has bad knee so not walking but may come for Lunch so 2 or 3 spaces available
I counted #N=12 on the walk plus a the Author who called in for a pint at Lunchtime. #W=Completly_blue_sky_warm_with_a_breeze . Completely mud free Wealden walk with the ground so dry farmers have been unable to harrow or plant. Some footpaths were therefore ploughed up and not yet restored. The trees are coming into leaf, bluebells emerging and a delicate light purple flower at the filed edge (wild phlox?). We had two bookings at the Wheatsheaf a 4 and a 2 but most of us ate outside. The staff were very friendly and efficient, we were able to order individually at the bar. The food was very good - haddock and chips and the risotto were excellent. This pub used to be linked to the Castle Inn in Chiddingstone but the National Trust has taken back that lease and the Castle Inn is apparently closed due to subsidence. The Wheatsheaf is now owned by the same people as the Carpenters Arms, Lingfield which has also upped its game recently. The afternoon on this walk is quite short and several of us had another drink at the Little Brown Jug near Penshurst Station. An enjoyable day out in good company.
Post a Comment