From hops to lavender (Audio Tour)

Discover an ‘earthly paradise’ in Kent’s Darent Valley

The Darent Valley was described by landscape artist, Samuel Palmer, as an ‘earthly paradise’. This is also a productive farming landscape where wheat, hops, lavender, apples and grapes are grown. Cattle, sheep and goats graze the meadows.

On this five mile walk between Shoreham and Eynsford you will find out how the lie of the land – its slopes, rivers and the rocks beneath your feet – influences what can be grown here.

Learn how farming practices have changed over the generations through the personal stories of a local farmer.

Find out how this landscape fed a nation during the Second World War, where the robes for the Queen’s coronation were made and discover a crop that might help you sleep.

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just a stone’s throw from London and is a delightful place to explore.

Location

Shoreham to Eynsford, Kent, Southeast England

Getting there

Train - Shoreham is served by direct trains from London Blackfriars.

Car - Easily accessible from the M25 Junction 3 (Swanley) or Junction 4 (Orpington). There is free parking at Shoreham station. A larger car park is available on Filston Road near the village school.

Bus - There is a limited service to Shoreham from Monday to Saturday. Go Coach route 421 runs along the A225 between Swanley and Sevenoaks stopping at Eynsford and Shoreham railway stations.

Start point

Shoreham railway station, TN14 7RT

Finish point

Eynsford Bridge, DA4 0AE

Onward journey

If you want to return to Shoreham at the end of the walk you can return on foot or by train (see Directions 21).

Distance

5 miles

Need a shorter route?

You can end the walk at Lullingstone Villa (Stop 17) and cut across to Eynsford station from there (see Directions 17).

Level

Moderate – the route is mostly flat following the River Darent. The climb up from Shoreham village is steep but a flat alternative is offered in Directions 4.