Otford

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: 5.3 miles (8.5km) approx. 10,625 steps
Allow 3 hours

About the walk:
This walk begins in Otford where you can catch a glimpse of the largest scale model in the world - the Otford Solar System. After a steep climb up onto the North Downs you are rewarded with some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Descending back to Otford along part of the North Downs Way you also pass by Otford Pond interestingly designated as a listed building! Please note that the route has a short on-road section and steep climbs may not be suitable for all.

Tips: Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5km) Allow 3 hours
Start/Finish: Otford
Stiles: 9
Gates: 4
Terrain: Fields and tracks with some on-road sections. Undulating paths. Some steep slopes
Toilets: Playing field car park
Refreshments: Pub and shops near start/finish

Height Information

How to get there:

By Car: Otford is on the A225, just North of Sevenoaks.
Postcode: TN14 5PG
Parking: Free car parking is available opposite the Bull public house in Otford

Train: Nearest station - Otford (500m).
National Rail Enquiries: 08547 484950.
Bus: 421 (Sevenoaks-Swanley). 3 journeys. Mon-Sat.
434 (Sevenoaks-Shoreham) 3/4 journeys.

Mon-Sat Traveline: 0871 200 22 33.

Please note that route shown may not accurately follow public rights of way and waymarking on ground should be followed at all times.

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

Points of Interest

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Point1

From the car park opposite the Bull pub, turn left along high street. After a short distance, turn left to take path between The Forge House Restaurant and Antiques shop.

There are views along this path on the left as you pass the end of the recreation ground. Here you can also see the Otford Solar System model. (POINT 20)

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Point 2

Follow path through gate.

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Point 3

Follow path through treeline - you are now crossing the Darent Valley Golf Course. Keep to enclosed path at all times.

On reaching a road crossing the path beware of traffic. Cross over to take path bearing Darent Valley Path waymarkings.

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Point 4

Come to end of path and on to a cricket ground. Follow around edge to kissing gate at other side.

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Point 5

Beware of golfers playing shots, look right before crossing fairway. Continue along path until you come to a main road (Station Rd).

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Point 6

Beware of Traffic. Turn right and follow road to junction with main road A225 (turn left if you want to explore Shoreham), passing Golf course entrance and under railway bridge.

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Point 7

Beware of fast travelling vehicles. Cross road to follow gravel path to the right of building (Copt Hall).

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Point 8

When you reach a forked junction, bear left to take the signed footpath in to the woods. (do not continue straight on to follow bridleway).

As the path winds through woodland, it becomes steep and there are approximately 145 steps to climb.

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Point 9

Come to the end of the woodland area and into a field. Head across, to left of farm buildings. Once at farm buildings, observe waymarking to follow route taking you between buildings out of farm through a gate, travelling downhill on a track.

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Point 10

Bear left to take footpath through a gap into a field. Follow path across field, following arrows, until you reach wooded boundary.

Go through gap and follow path travelling downhill. Cross over stile to emerge from wooded area on wooded area on a fairly steep hillside overlooking a golf course. Continue downhill to stile at bottom.

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Point 11

Follow enclosed path crossing the golf course. Beware of any golf carts that may cross the footpath. Emerge from the path into a field. keeping to the left hand side, continue uphill on what becomes a steep climb. Near the top there are views to the left and behind you.

Go through the treeline to cross a short grassy area and go through gap into a field. Continue straight ahead, bearing right as you go uphill. Aim for the right side of the house ahead, which becomes visible as you near the top of the slope.

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Point 12

Cross stile at right side of house to follow footpath. Take the first path (bridleway) on the right after coming to the end of the enclosed path (do not continue following the wall straight on).

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Point 13

Go through gate at end of path and bear left to follow path over stile into field. When track begins to bend sharply round to the left do not follow round but cross stile on the right.

Cross another field and go over another stile to head down slope on an enclosed path until you reach a road (Eastdown House should be on the right).

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Point 14

Beware of traffic. Turn left and follow uphill to sign post on right. Cross over stile into field and follow path, heading for edge of trees straight ahead.

Reach gate and cross over stile into another field. Follow path downhill to woods. Cross over stile into woods and follow fenced woodland path until you reach a road.

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Point 15

Beware of traffic. Turn right and follow road.

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Point 16

Come to road junction and cross island in the middle. Cross road to climb over stile near gate signposted North Downs Way. In this field, follow path along left hand boundary entering into woodland area after approximately 350m.

As the path emerges from the short wooded stretch it begins downhill with steps in places. There are some good views of Otford through the trees ahead.

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Point 17

Beware of traffic. Reaching the end of the path you will be at a road. Cross over to pavement and turn right following North Downs Way sign.

At road junction bear left (following North Downs Way sign). This will take you back to Otford crossing over the railway bridge, past a pond (designated as a listed building!) pubs an shops, back to the car park where you started.

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Public toilets

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Car parking

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Otford Solar System

The largest scale model of the Solar System in the World.

Pictures in this guide taken by: ExploreKent

Explore Kent, Kent County Council

How does this work?

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk, lovely views and had a nice lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Romney Street.
Visited on Apr 13, 2011

by Kezziebs on Apr 14, 2011

Otford Map

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ExploreKent
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