Leigh (Kent) Circular, 28 Oct

Trains. I have amended the train times for this walk because it involves a change, and on the recce Sally and I missed the connection by a minute. Therefore I am recommending that people take the Dover Priory train to Tonbridge. This leaves Charing Cross at 8.59, Waterloo East at 9.02 and London Bridge at 9.08, and arrives at Tonbridge (platform 3) at 9.40. We then cross the bridge to take the Redhill train from platform 1 at 10.01. Leigh is the next station and we arrive there at 10.05.

            National Rail suggests a later train (the Hastings train), leaving Charing Cross at 9.08, Waterloo East at 9.11, and London Bridge at 9.17, arriving at Tonbridge at 9.53. If the train is on time, this gives you eight minutes to make the connection (across the bridge to platform 1 for the 10.01 train; the bridge is near the front of the train). Worth a try, if you miss the earlier train.

            I shall take the earlier (Dover Priory) train which I shall join at London Bridge.

The walk. This is a gentle, undulating walk with some great views. It starts and ends in Penshurst Place deer park and otherwise is mostly on farm tracks and country lanes, with just a couple of busier roads to cross. It is seven to eight miles, with the longer part in the morning. There is an interesting church at Penshurst (the lunch stop) with historic links to the Sidney family.

Lunch. Unfortunately the only pub in Penshurst, the Leicester Arms, is closed for refurbishment. For those wishing to buy lunch, we shall go to the café at Penshurst Place.

Janet