TOUGH HIKE 26km The Hills and Valleys of the North Downs Kent

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 16 miles (26km)
• Grading: Challenging
• Ascent: 540m
• Hiking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Cost: £30 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:15am, leave 8:30am for the 8:42am train
• Return: 7:30pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Hike the Weald Way, Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way through the Kent Downs AONB
• Visit the remains of the lost village of Dode, wiped out by the plague, with its 1,000-year-old church
• See the Coldrum Stones long barrow — over 1,000 years older than Stonehenge
• Cross the spectacular Cobham Woods and historic Deer Park with the Darnley Mausoleum
• Explore Cobham village, linked to Charles Dickens, with medieval pubs and historic buildings
• Pass Luddesdown Court, with its Grade I listed church and oak-beamed manor

🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins at Sole Street, where we set out across rolling fields towards Luddesdown Court with its Grade I listed manor and medieval church. The route then follows the Weald Way to the remains of the lost village of Dode, dating from Roman times but destroyed by the plague, leaving only its atmospheric Norman church and a lingering reputation for ghosts.

We continue along woodland trails to the Coldrum Stones, an Early Neolithic long barrow whose name means “place of enchantments.” More than 1,000 years older than Stonehenge, this ancient monument is one of Britain’s earliest prehistoric sites, and from its summit we enjoy commanding views across the valley.

Our trail then joins the Pilgrims Way, climbing the North Downs escarpment to reach peaceful uplands and the hamlet of Upper Bush, where the surrounding countryside feels wonderfully remote. After passing through a succession of shady woods, we emerge into Cobham Woods, an ancient deer park that contains the grand Darnley Mausoleum, a striking 18th-century landmark.

The final leg of our journey brings us into the historic village of Cobham, with its 13th-century church, fine brass memorials, and half-timbered pubs once frequented by Charles Dickens. Here we pause for a well-earned rest and a drink in one of the village’s medieval inns before returning via orchards to Sole Street for the train home.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: KEVIN
• Contact (hike day only): 07918 329854

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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