Darent Valley Path Crayford Ness to Eynsford

Date: 
Friday, 3 October 2014 - 10:15am
Walk Leaders: 
Everyone on this democratic un-reccied walk
Meeting Point: 
Dartford Station
Distance: 
8 miles
Maps: 
OS Explorer 162
Travel: 

Train Charing Cross 9.32 reaches Dartford at 10.15 Return half hourly trains from Eynsford Station to Victoria

Route: 

Dartford along the Darent Valley Path: under the North Downs Brooklands, Darenth, Farningham and Eynsford

Lunch: 

There are several pubs marked on the OS map on the way

Notes: 

It’s a good thing your leaderene is awake: when I looked at the map to plan this 10 mile walk, Slade Green (where we finished the Thames Path) to Eynsford, I realised you cannot cross the river Darent to get to the path at its start. Bother.
So I think the best option is to start at Dartford Station; according to the map the path follows the A 2026 right outside the station.
You can then decide according to the weather and your energy levels whether to walk north for up to 2 – 3 miles to the official start, return and finish your walk.
Or, in my opinion, the better option walk the 8 miles to Eynsford and spend some time there. It is a delightful village with lots to see, including 2 English heritage sites Lullingstone Roman Villa (closes at 5pm), and Eynsford Castle, (closes at 4 pm). Check them on Wikipedia.