The Darent Valley Path starts either at Sevenoaks Station or at Chipstead and finishes on the bank of the Thames just north of Dartford. About 18 miles long, the route is steeped in history. In Roman times there were villas every couple of miles along the valley and the finest example, Lullingstone, has been excavated and opened to the public.
There are castles at both Lullingstone and Eynsford and the Archbishop’s Palace at Otford
For centuries the Darent was an important source of power and there were many water mills of various kinds; several survive although none is currently in use. Picturesque villages include Otford, Shoreham, Eynsford and Farningham. Lavender is perhaps the valley’s most visible crop.
Kent Ramblers have published a new guide to three of west Kent’s river valley walks, including the Darent Valley Path. For details go to
http://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/DVP/index.htm