Shoreham and Polhill Bank

A circular walk close to the village of Shoreham, near Sevenoaks in Kent. This circular walk, on a chalk hillside above the glorious Darent Valley, takes in broadleaf woods, a grass escarpment edge with wildflowers and great views, and an ancient village with superb old cottages, pubs and a river path. The first two miles are through woodlands Meenfield and Pilots Woods on top of a ridge separating the Darent Valley from a 'dry valley' just to the west. After two miles, walkers emerge from the woods spectacularly at Kent Wildlife Trust-managed Polhill Bank on the steep chalk hillside with views over to Knole Park and beyond, and after this there are regular views of the Darent Valley. There are superb bluebells in late April in Meenfield Woods and the chance of seeing Spitfires and Hurricanes flying over from Biggin Hill airfield. Wonderful oak, beech, ash, cypress, yew and chestnut trees about and kestrels, buzzards, deer and slow worms have been regularly seen by this walker. The more observant may detect the presence of grass snakes, owls, lizards and that sort of thing. The walk includes several climbs and descents throughout, with some sections that can be muddy. Until Polhill Bank you will be able to hear the M25 which is nearby, but once walking on the eastern side of the ridge the rushing sound of traffic will magically disappear. You will need to negotiate both gates and stiles and you may be sharing some of the fields with sheep. Allow 2 hours.