Sevenoaks 21km Knole park circular: a hike through woods and meadows of deer

Please read the following before you RSVP Knole park is a 1,000+ acre deer park initially preserved to provide hunting opportunities for the lords of Knole house. It is now a public park with exceptional walking, cycling, and horse riding opportunities through meadows and woods while keeping an eye out for the large numbers of deer that reside here. We will pass by two mansions, the first being Ightham Mote, a 700 year old moated manor house that is "the most complete small medieval manor house in the county". It provides a truly unique insight into how the lords and ladies of the 13-1400s would have lived as it has undergone little significant renovation for centuries. We will have lunch here allowing you to look around the grounds (There is a restaurant here but it is advised to bring a packed lunch. Entrance to the mansion itself requires tickets and more time than we have alloted). Our second stop will be at Knole house, a large 600 year old (but subsequently expanded) stately mansion for which the park is named. Deer roam the locality and we can have a look around the site (Again, tickets are needed to enter the mansion itself and more time than we have allotted). There are toilets but no restaurant here. We will end the circular hike back at Sevenoaks station but the hike leader and many others will head to the Sennockian pub to enjoy a meal and drink, which everyone is welcome to join. This hike is ideal for those looking for a calm 20+km walk with portions of moderate intensity hills enjoying natural beauty, local wildlife, and historic buildings. Weather is currently expected to be pleasant with sun and clouds and a high of 24'C. It is suggested that everyone brings at least 1 litre of water, snacks for the lunch break, and sun protection for the more sensitive. Toilet opportunities are present at both mansions. 🚊 Option 1 – By Train 🕙 09:10AM – London Bridge Station (9:24 train departure) Meet at the Ticket Office
. £9.30 return ticket with a network rail card (Prices may vary) to Sevenoaks station
. A photo of the train timetable is included. 🚙 Option 2 – By Car 🕙 9:50 AM – Sevenoaks Station 9:50am Start & 6:00pm Finish. Sevenoaks Station circular hike. We can't wait for latecomers so please arrive early, and while I'll do my best I can't guarantee the end time. 🥾 Hike Details
Distance & Grade: Approx. 21km | Initially calm undulating paths but with hilly sections in the latter half. High quality trails. Pace: 4–5 km/hour with a few mindful pauses along the way Break: Approx. 1 hour Includes access to toilet facilities, with a second 30min break with toilet facilities at about 8 and 16km. Cost: Free RECOMMENDATION: please wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress appropriately to current weather update and bring a backpack, with a packed lunch, 1L of water, at least a wind-breaker or light jacket. Group Rules Be respectful with RSVPs If you are not able to attend, please cancel in good time. Frequent No-shows and late cancellations (less than 24 hours) affect members on the waiting list and may impact future participation. If you have any questions please post in the event chat. 'Michael' is the coordinator for this event. Maintain group harmony Discussion and openness is welcome, people should feel free to converse as they wish, but likewise people should be free to enjoy the beauty of nature without harshness or loudness. The aim of this event is to bring people together to both enjoy each others company and to enjoy the beauty of manicured nature. Attendees are free to join and leave as they wish, but please notify the coordinator so he can keep track. DISCLAIMER By joining this group , you acknowledge and agree to the following: This is a free, informal, meet-up. The coordinator Is going on a walk and others are free to join, but in no way is this a professional service and there should be no expectation of that. There is no professional tour guide or first aider. All participants must be 18 or older, or attend with a legal guardian, and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event. Outdoor environments do carry inherent risks, and participation is entirely voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own discretion and risk. The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event. You are encouraged to carry personal accident or travel insurance if you feel this is appropriate for your needs. Please assess your own physical and emotional readiness to participate. If you have any medical or psychological conditions that may affect your experience, it is your responsibility to manage them appropriately and/or seek advice in advance. All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances. Photos and videos are often taken by attendees during the hikes. Please discuss with each other about consent for photos or videos to be uploaded, The hike leaders are not responsible for attendees behaviour. By attending, you agree to respect the Countryside Code; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advicefor-countryside-visitors all natural spaces, and take personal responsibility for your presence and conduct during the event. Participants are encouraged to be aware of their responsibilities under the CROW Act (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) when enjoying nature. UK Government Guidance on Open Access Land and the CROW Act:Lwin https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities \\ Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Organiser Identity – The organiser operates under the community name “ZEN”, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. Assumption of Risk – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. Personal Responsibility – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. No Organiser Liability – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as ZEN accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. Guests – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. Independent Event – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. Media Consent – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. Acceptance of Terms – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknon, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.