Darenth Valley Path - South Darenth to Dartford.

I have been meaning to walk this section of the Darenth Valley Path for over a year, but with the lockdown lifting, I turned my attention to trips further afield during the summer. This is a local walk for me, and I was shocked when I realised that the last time I did this walk was in the mid-90s.

MY ROUTE:

My walk started from the bridge over the River Darenth in Devon Road, South Darenth.

From Devon Road bridge continue towards the old mill at the bottom of Holmesdale Hill, turn left into a small driveway which quickly becomes a footpath (make sure you take the path with the pig style on the right.) Leading across farmland, make your own way across all the fields (be careful as there is a popular model aeroplane landing strip) until you get to an opening at the bottom of the field and come out near the church at the bottom of Darenth Hill. Carefully cross this busy road and enter Darenth Road, opposite, which is followed to the footpath at its end. The path returns to follow the river before you are forced away and along the A225 Hawley Road for several hundred metres, to pass under the A2. Rejoin the path leading away from the road at the back of the recycle bins in the lay by, & follow the path beside the River Darent as it passes into Dartford, going close to the industrial estate before reaching Dartford. Cross Powder Mill Lane, and follow the path between the lakes and river, heading to the foot tunnel passing under the busy & dangerous Princes Road. Princes Road marks the boundary of Central Park through which the Darent Valley Way passes, exiting beside the museum & library.

ABOUT THE DARENTH VALLEY PATH 

 

The waymarked path Darent Valley Path is 19 miles (31 km) long, following the River Darent from the banks of the River Thames at Dartford through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks. It runs through the villages of Shoreham and Otford. The route is well served by public transport, making it ideal to break into manageable walks. Railway stations are situated at Sevenoaks, Bat & Ball, Otford, Eynsford, Farningham Road, Dunton Green and Dartford, and there are many bus routes along the route. The route is also used by National Cycle Network Route 125, which follows the same route as the footpath. 

BROOKLANDS LAKE:

Brookland Lake is a 28 acre, old sand and gravel pit which is surrounded by trees and reeds and managed by a private angling club. However, there are circular walks around the lake that are open to the public. The lake