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The way takes you above a large memorial cross cut into the chalk slope, with a dedication to the men of Shoreham who lost their lives in the 1914–18 war. From here there is a splendid view over the village and the Darent Valley. Continue ahead as far as a crossing path where you descend to the village, passing the Shoreham Aircraft Museum where teas are served (open weekends from May to September www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk). Turn right along High Street, then left into Church Street.

Shoreham is an attractive village with a number of tile-hung or flint-walled cottages, and a picturesque bridge over the Darent, a stream that adds much to Shoreham’s charm. There’s a railway station on the London (Victoria or Blackfriars) to Ashford line, and a bus service from Sevenoaks. At the railway station the Shoreham Society has developed an interesting Countryside Centre.

Seen from the walk, the Darent flows at the bottom of Shoreham gardens

Wander down Church Street past the weatherboarded Kings Arms with its unusual ostler’s box, then cross the Darent and bear left by the war memorial. Approaching the entrance to The Water House (where Samuel Palmer the artist once lived) veer left on a surfaced path accompanying the stream. When a footbridge allows, cross to the left bank where the continuing route is waymarked for the Darent Valley Path. It continues as a fenced path. When the fencing ends keep along the right headland of a field, then cross through the middle of the next field to a concrete farm road. Continue ahead and eventually come onto a country road by some houses. At this point veer slightly left, up steps and into a field where you follow its right-hand boundary for about 500 metres to Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre.