Читать книгу Walking in Kent. 40 circular short walks and day walks онлайн

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Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Shoreham lies in a valley known to have been a major site of Stone Age settlements. A castle was built here in the 13th century – Castle Farm stands on its ruins – and two watermills once drew power from the Darent: a corn mill to the south, a paper mill to the north. During World War II, Shoreham was the most heavily bombed of all UK villages.

From the heart of the village, pass through Shoreham churchyard into an open field, where you turn left. Walk along the field edge until coming to a crossing path, then turn right. This path soon crosses the railway line and brings you to the A225. Cross with care and find a footpath sign about 50 metres to the left. Here you go through a hedge and aim half-left across a field to the opposite scrub boundary, then out to a drive below a house. Across the drive the continuing path slants up the edge of the garden and the wooded hillside beyond. It’s a steep climb nearly all the way.

Gaining the crest of the Downs come to a crossing path and bear left. The way eventually eases through woodland and emerges to open fields. From the woodland corner proceed straight across the field ahead, in effect making for the far corner. A few paces right of this, enter woods again and begin a steep descent among yew trees.