Penshurst walk

This is a walk of around 13 miles, that Ashford Ramblers previously did in October 2023, so we are due a return to this wonderful part of the High Weald. On this delightful circuit, we will explore historic villages as well as the parkland of Penshurst Place, and this all makes for a delightful day out in the Kent countryside.

Utilising OS Explorer map 147, we explore the network of footpaths on the southern slopes of the Eden Valley, so there is good walking to be had, mostly on well defined paths, which are gently undulating. However, despite no serious hills, there is still around 1100 foot of ascent overall, so this should be well within the capabilities of the regular walker, at ease with this distance and ascent.

Setting out from the courtyard in front of Penshurst churchyard, surrounded by timber-frame Tudor Cottages in Leicester Square, we then enter the parkland of 14th century Penshurst Place. Our route crosses the River Eden, to soon follow the Eden Valley Way, which is a 15-mile trail linking Edenbridge & Tonbridge.

We pass the small hamlet of Weller's Town, before we take a short detour off route to visit the Chiding Stone, which can be accessed via a path off the village street in Chiddingstone. Re-tracing our steps we continue through Hill Hoath and onto Hever, passing through the churchyard, beside the entrance to Hever Castle, to soon head south towards Markbeech.

In the latter stages of the walk, we pass through the small hamlet of Chiddingstone Hoath, before we eventually return to Penshurst.

There will be the usual picnic lunch break, possibly at Markbeech church as well as several choices of pubs en route, last time we stopped at the Kentish Horse at Markbeech. There is also the opportunity for post walk refreshment in the Leicester Arms on our return to Penshurst.

Walk leader is Kevin Hall