Mills and Meadows - Horton Kirby

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview:
This is a pleasant and relaxing 3.2 mile walk along one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Darent following the banks of the river through fields and copses. Easy walking with gentle slopes makes this an ideal route for all the family.

Follow the fast flowing Darent to discover the fine architecture of Farningham

Look out for...

Sheep and ponies

Wildlife, particularly birds, along the riverside

Franks Hall

A historic brick screen crossing the Darent alongside the bridge at Farningham

The Mill and Mill House opposite the Lion Hotel

Tips:
Location: Horton Kirby
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1km)
Time: allow 1 hour 30 mins
Explorer map: 162
Terrain: riverside paths and some roads
Stiles/gates/steps: 8 gates
Public transport: contact Traveline tel: 08712002233
www.traveline.org.uk
Step count: approx 6,400

Walk provided by Explore Kent
Explore Kent is a Kent County Council Initiative

Points of Interest

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Fertile fields

Fertile fields have long attracted settlers to Horton Kirby. Archaeologists have identified a large Roman granary, Anglo-Saxon cemeteries and a 15th century castle.

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Franks Hall

Queen Elizabeth I may have stayed at Franks Hall.

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Mills

Corn grinding stopped at the white weather-boarded mill in the the centre of Farningham in 1900. Residents at the Mill House have included Captain Bligh who served on The Bounty.

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Wadard, the Norman Knight

Farningham had four manors in Domesday Book. One belonged to a Norman knight, Wadard, who fought at the battle of Hastings. He is depicted on his horse in the Bayeux Tapestry. Wadard also features on the Farningham village sign.

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The White House

The White House on Horton Kirby's main street was believed to have been the centre of a thriving smuggling business handling spirits ans silks a the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

Pictures in this guide taken by: ExploreKent, Linda Cronin, L2F1 (flickr)

Copyright: Explore Kent, Kent County Council

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