Section 1 of 2, Darent Valley Path
Chipstead to Farningham
9.5 miles (15.4 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: TQ 500 562. Finish: TQ 545 670. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Warning: Diversion in place. Part of this route is closed or diverted for now. Public footpath SU11 in Sevenoaks, between Bradbourne Vale Road and Lambarde Road, is closed from 5 October 2026, with a signed alternative along those two roads. Source: explorekent.org.
Up and down
About 168 m of climbing and 209 m of descent; highest point 107 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Chipstead.
- Bus stops
- Chipstead Square, 130 m from the start. Directions TQ 500 561The Old Carriageway, 420 m from the start. Directions TQ 504 560
- Car parks
- Car park, 10 m from the start. Directions TQ 499 562Car park, 10 m from the start. Directions TQ 500 562Car park, 190 m from the start. Directions TQ 498 563
Getting back
The section finishes at Farningham. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Lion Hotel, 40 m from the finish. Directions TQ 546 670Pied Bull, 270 m from the finish. Directions TQ 547 668
Planning the Darent Valley Path
- Planning the whole trail: explorekent.org.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Three River Valley Walks in West Kent: Darent Valley Path, Eden Valley Walk and Medway Valley Walk (2nd edition, 2026) (Kent Ramblers).
What to expect
Underfoot: earth, rock and mud 38%, paved or flagged 28%, grass 18%, gravel and tracks 8%.
About 26% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 6 stiles, 11 kissing gates, 2 gates, 3 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 53 m in a kilometre (1 in 19), starting 7.1 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- Bricklayers Arms, Chipstead: at the start.The Rose and Crown, Dunton Green: 1.5 miles in.The Samuel Palmer, Shoreham: 4.8 miles in. Food, seats outside.The Kings Arms, Shoreham: 4.9 miles in.The Chequers, Farningham: at the finish.Lion Hotel, Farningham: at the finish. Food, seats outside.George and Dragon, Chipstead: near the start, about 300 m off the way.George and Dragon, Chipstead: near the start, about 300 m off the way.The Bull, Otford: 3 miles in, about 250 m off the way.The Two Brewers, Shoreham: 5 miles in, about 150 m off the way.And 4 more within a quarter of a mile.
- Cafés
- Lullingstone Park Visitor's Centre, Coombe Hollow: 6.4 miles in.Hospices of Hope Tea Rooms, Otford: 3 miles in, about 300 m off the way.Pond View Cafe And Tea Rooms, Otford: 3 miles in, about 400 m off the way.Pond View Cafe and Tea Rooms, Otford: 3 miles in, about 400 m off the way.Sally’s Cake Emporium, Otford: 3 miles in, about 300 m off the way.Coffee Box, Shoreham: 4.8 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Seats outside.The Honey Pot, Shoreham: 4.9 miles in, about 200 m off the way.Shoreham Aircraft Museum: 5 miles in, about 250 m off the way.Riverside Tea Room, Eynsford: 8.4 miles in, about 300 m off the way.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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