HILLY HIKE 16km The Hidden Valleys, Vineyards and Tudor Palaces of Kent

🌳 Large Group Social Hike
One of our bigger, more sociable hikes.
Prefer a smaller group? See our standard-size hikes.

📏 Key Info:
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 340m
Hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hours
Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end vineyard

📍 Meeting Point
Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO
Time: Meet 8:10am, leave 8:30am for the 8:44am train
Return: 5:34pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
Explore Otford village, rich in Roman, Saxon and royal history
See Britain’s tiniest listed building — the famous Otford duck house
Visit the remains of Otford Palace, once grander than Hampton Court
Hike along the North Downs Way and the ancient Pilgrims Way
Pause at Otford Mount, with views across the valley and a Bronze Age barrow
Enjoy lunch at a 500-year-old traditional pub “time forgot”
Conclude at a family-owned vineyard with optional wine flight & stone-baked pizza

🥾 Hike Description
Our hike begins in the tranquil Darent Valley, following the Darent Valley Path into the historic village of Otford. Here we encounter remarkable landmarks including the quirky duck house — Britain’s smallest Grade II listed building — and the evocative ruins of Otford Palace, once a Tudor residence larger than Hampton Court and known as “the lost palace of Henry VIII.”

From Otford we join the historic North Downs Way, tracing part of the medieval Pilgrims Way that itself followed an even older Stone Age track. The path leads to Otford Mount, where a Bronze Age barrow crowns the ridge and panoramic views stretch across the valley. Continuing onwards, we cross the nature-rich chalk grassland of Kemsing Down and pass by Otford Manor, high above the valley, before descending through woodland and fields.

Midway, we pause for lunch at a traditional 500-year-old pub, hidden away in the countryside. Inside, little has changed since the 1960s, giving it a nostalgic charm that feels like stepping back in time. With its rustic character, it makes for a unique and memorable break on our journey.

Our adventure ends at a family-owned vineyard, where you can sample local Kentish wines with an optional extra - tasting flight and stone-baked pizza. Surrounded by vines and rolling hills, this picturesque stop — complete with a boutique shop selling locally produced gifts — is the perfect finale to a day exploring Kent’s landscapes, history and hidden gems.

🧭 Guide:
Leader: GRAHAM
Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
Bring a packed lunch
Vineyard 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

❓ Want to Know More?
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