HIKE 22km Bourne Valley - the Mills, Orchards and Knights Manors of Kent

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 14 miles (22km)
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 450m
• Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
• Cost: £31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Refunds: Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO
• Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:45am for the 8:55am train
• Return: 6:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Hike through the lush Bourne Valley in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Pass the vast Fairlawne Estate — a 17th-century mansion now home to a Saudi Prince and once used for royal horse training
• Follow the Greensand Ridge and hike along sections of the historic Greensand Way
• Visit Old Soar Manor — a 13th-century knight’s dwelling and English Heritage site
• Admire traditional Kentish cobnut orchards and colourful apple orchards
• Explore ancient hamlets, mills and woodlands including the historic Basted Mill site
• Visit Shipbourne Common, a designated Special Landscape Area

🥾 Hike Description
Our adventure begins at Borough Green, whose heritage stretches back over 2000 years. From here, we follow the tranquil River Bourne, meandering through orchards, meadows, and the rare Kentish cobnut groves. The trail soon ascends into Yopps Green, where we pause to enjoy sweeping views across the valley’s patchwork of fields and woodland.

Continuing along the Greensand Ridge, we pass historic hamlets and mills before arriving at the magnificent Fairlawne Estate. This grand 17th-century country mansion sits within over 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens. Once famed as the training ground for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s horses, today it is the private residence of a Saudi Prince.

After lunch, our route carries us deeper into the valley past the remnants of Kent’s milling heritage, where rivers once powered a chain of paper mills for centuries. We then make our way through shady chestnut woodland to reach Old Soar Manor, a 13th-century fortified knight’s dwelling preserved by English Heritage.

The final stage of the hike leads us past the dramatic gorge of the River Bourne and the atmospheric remains of Basted Mill, before crossing Shipbourne Common, a Special Landscape Area, and returning from this rich blend of history, landscapes and hidden gems in the heart of Kent.

🧭 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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