Stop 1
Directions
Leave the station from the exit on the southbound platform which leads onto a driveway. The steep tree-covered slopes in front form part of the former chalk pit. On exiting the station, turn right then after a short distance turn left onto a track, passing a sign for the chalk pit. This leads to a level grassed area where you bear left and head up a slope to a road (Pilgrims Way East).
Information
The Chalk Pit was worked in the late nineteenth century and was later an early landfill site. Now it is a wooded informal open space, used and enjoyed by the local community and managed by Otford Parish Council.
Stop 2
Directions
Across and just to the right, take the driveway signposted as the North Downs Way. The route is now steadily uphill first as a drive, then a path between gardens and finally through a woodland corridor. On the way up, just left of a bench, there is a view between the trees towards Fackenden Down which is reached later on in the walk.
Stop 3
Directions
Beyond the bench there are some steps to negotiate but then the gradient eases and the path eventually levels out. Continue into a field and bear left when the field widens, leaving the North Downs Way (there is no sign at this junction). Follow the left edge of the field, passing to the left of the Otford Mount OS trig point. A stile in the top corner takes you out onto a quiet lane.
Information
Otford Trig point marks the highest point of the walk at 204 metres (669ft). Trig points were originally constructed by Ordnance Survey for mapping purposes but with new technology, are now redundant and generally maintained by volunteers.
Stop 4
Directions
Turn left and follow the lane for about 400 metres until it turns right. Fork left here through a kissing gate and onto a track which soon enters more woodland. When the track emerges onto open downland, a superb view opens up to the south and southwest. Follow a grassy path that bears left, down and across the slope to a gate, then turn right onto a path. Follow the path past a bench and then left downhill through a small patch of woodland to reach another excellent viewpoint, this time oriented more directly across the Darent Valley.
Information
Fackenden Down is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by Kent Wildlife Trust and is notable for its chalkland plants and butterflies. A superb viewpoint with panoramic views south and southwest across Otford to Sevenoaks and the Greensand Ridge as well as views west across the Darent Valley to the continuation of the North Downs at Polhill Bank.
Stop 5
Directions
After enjoying the view, the route continues straight ahead down the hillside. Cross two stiles and emerge onto the A225 main road and turn left. Take extra care here as this is a busy road with no pavement for the first 100 metres. It is best to cross temporarily to the far side of the road where there is a narrow verge, until the pavement starts on the left at the junction of Greenhill Road. Otford station is about 500 metres along the road on the left.
