Section 3 of 8, Wealdway
West Peckham to Bidborough
12.9 miles (20.7 km). About 4½ hours, moderate.
Start: TQ 646 526. Finish: TQ 564 431. 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.
Diversion in place on this route. On section 1 (Gravesend to Vigo Village), not this one. The details are on its page.
Up and down
About 165 m of climbing and 116 m of descent; highest point 137 m.
Getting there
The section starts at West Peckham.
- Bus stop
- Church Road, 140 m from the start. Directions TQ 644 525
- Car park
- Car park, 190 m from the start. Directions TQ 644 525
Getting back
The section finishes at Bidborough. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stop
- The Kentish Hare, 380 m from the finish. Directions TQ 565 435
Planning the Wealdway
- Planning the whole trail: explorekent.org.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Guide to the Wealdway (Kent Ramblers).
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 22%, earth, rock and mud 18%, grass 7%, gravel and tracks 6%; the rest (47%) isn't recorded.
About 10% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 3 stiles, 1 kissing gate, 1 gate.
Steepest climb: about 83 m in a kilometre (1 in 12), starting 11.6 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- The Humphrey Bean, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in. No dogs, food, seats outside.Verdigris, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in. Seats outside.Ye Olde Chequers Inn, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in. Seats outside.Man of Kent, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 150 m off the way.The Rose and Crown, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 150 m off the way.The Kentish Hare, Bidborough: 12.7 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Food, step-free.
- Cafés
- Starbucks, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in.Sixty Five mm Coffee, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in. Seats outside.Costa, Tonbridge: 8.2 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Seats outside.Basil, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 250 m off the way.Caffè Nero, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 250 m off the way.Costa, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 250 m off the way.Finch House Cafe, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 300 m off the way. Step-free.Escape Art Centre, Tonbridge: 8.7 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Seats outside.Nancy's Tearoom, Tonbridge: 8.8 miles in, about 250 m off the way.Cafe in the Park, Brook Street: 10.2 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Seats outside.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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