Shipbourne

Nearby Destinations

Kent

Other guides in Walks in West Kent

view the Walks in West Kent guide bundle

Nearby Guides

Content
provided by

Viewed 4819 times

(1 vote)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.0 miles / 8.0 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

Family Friendly

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: 5 miles (8km) approx. 10,000 steps
Allow 3 hours

About the walk:
This is a varied walk on woodland and field paths with characteristic Wealden views. Starting at Dene Park, the route follows a part of the Greensand Way passing Fairlawne House, once owned by Edward Cazalet who was for many years the trainer of the Queen mother's horses. The well marked route takes you via the common, a large open space before passing through the church yard and returning back through Dene Park.

Tips: Distance: 5 miles (8km) Allow 3 hours
Start/Finish: Dene Park, Puttenden Road
Stiles: 9
Gates: 4
Terrain: Fields, woodland paths and tracks. Some moderate climbs
Toilets: None on the route
Refreshments: Pubs along route

Height Information

How to get there:

By Car: Shipbourne is on the A227 between Tonbridge and Ightham/Borough Green
Postcode: TN11 9RJ
Parking: Car parking is free at Dene Park

Bus: 222 (Wrotham Square-Tonbridge Station) 6 journeys, Mon-Sat. 404 (Ide Hill-Plaxtol) 5 journeys, Mon-Fri.

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

map

Point 1

From the car park, follow path through woodland, running alongside road. Upon reaching the end of the path Beware of traffic - cross road to follow path over stile.

map

Point 2

At the path junction, bear left into the woods. After a short distance the path comes out into a narrow clearing - follow path ahead along field boundary.

map

Point 3

On reaching a field, follow signposting and turn left along field boundary for around 100m before bearing right to cross field to stile in the treeline.

map

Point 4

Continue straight across another field crossing over footbridge, bearing left to go under electricity pylons heading towards road (Hamptons Road).

map

Point 5

Beware of traffic. Cross over stile and turn left to follow road. Just before the first house on the right into track and follow the path straight ahead.

map

Point 6

(At this point, if you want to detour to the Kentish Rifleman pub, follow the path straight on, not over the stile).

Along the path, cross the stile on the left to head over to another stile by the road (Dunk's Green Road). Beware of traffic, cross road, travel up a short flight of steps and go through kissing gate to enter into a field. Follow ahead alongside boundary and over a stile built over a stone, into another field.

map

Point 7

Follow path diagonally across field towards woodland. Follow path through woods. When you reach a gate, cross over a stile into a field. Follow path to road (School Lane).

map

Point 8

Beware of traffic. Cross road and head down surfaced track past Fairlawne House. Keep following the path downhill, over a stream and continue uphill towards houses.

map

Point 9

Follow path through kissing gate, between houses to come out onto a road (Upper Green Road). Turn right to follow road across Shipbourne Common, heading to church.

map

Point 10

Beware of traffic. Cross road and go through churchyard to kissing gate. Bear left to follow path across field.

46_ Shipbourne PHOTO 10B FINAL.jpg Photo

45_ Shipbourne PHOTO 10A FINAL.jpg Photo

map

Point 11

After crossing a ditch turn left to head towards corner of trees ahead. Follow path ahead with woodland edge on your right. Head across field towards road (Hildenborough Road).

map

Point 12

Cross bridge out of field and turn right to head alongside road. Look out on the left for a gap in the hedge just before a telegraph pole.

map

Point 13

Go through gap in hedge and follow path between fencing. Upon reaching a junction, bear left to follow between more fencing towards woodland. Follow path as it winds through woodland, passing across small bridge near ponds.

map

Point 14

Come out of the woods and turn left along track emerging into a lay-by. Turn right to head up the lay-by to main road. Just before reaching the road turn left to go through gap.Beware of traffic, cross road to path on the other side.

59_ Shipbourne PHOTO 14B FINAL.jpg Photo

58_ Shipbourne PHOTO 14A FINAL.jpg Photo

map

Point 15

On reaching a pond on the right turn right to follow the path uphill for some distance. When the path meets a surfaced track, bear left to continue ahead.

map

Point 16

Just after a left hand bend in the track, take the path that follows a field boundary on the right. This path takes you back to the car park where you started.