Roman Round Eynsford

1 From the car park by the post office on Eynsford's main street, turn right to walk down Riverside, the road opposite the church. Go over the bridge by the ford from which the village takes its name. This has been an important crossing point on the Darent since Roman times. Walk up past the Plough Inn, then past Sparepenny Lane. You'll often see this name on country lanes. It dates back to the days when you had to pay a toll if you wanted to travel on a turnpike road. Sparepenny Lane would probably have been a private road that was cheaper than the main turnpike.

2 At the last house on the right, bear right and go through a gate into a field. Cut across this to cross a stile at the top, then walk - carefully - across the railway line. Pop over another stile then walk straight across the next field to go through a gap in the fence. Cross the lane and follow the path across the next field, taking time to enjoy some great views across the valley. When you reach the post at the top, go to the right of the hedge, then walk ahead keeping the hedge on your left-hand side. Cross a stile, turn right up the enclosed path and where it bends go left, through a gap in the hedge. Your path now continues across the top of a field, dips slightly, then takes you between some trees, where you'll see part of a golf course on your left. Where the path forks, go left through a horse barrier and up some steps into the woods. Come out of the woods after another barrier, go a few paces right, then left again to continue over the top of the field. Turn left to go through another barrier, go back into the woods and walk ahead, keeping the golf course on your left. Reach a broad track, go a few paces left then continue ahead, keeping the fairways to either side of you. Soon reach a tarmac track, turn right and walk up towards the clubhouse.

3 At the wooden fingerpost turn left and walk across the fairway to go down into the woods (take care you don't get hit by a golf ball here). Walk ahead until you come to a metal fence and turn left. Pass a ladder stile on your right-hand side and keep walking ahead, following the signs to the visitor centre. Maintain your direction until you see a marker post. Turn right here, go through a barrier and walk downhill to the visitor centre. There are lovely views on the way down of Eynsford Viaduct, an elegant red brick structure built for the railway in the 19th century. Your route now goes past the visitor centre, then bears left just before the road, along the Darent Valley Path.

4 Keep walking by the river until you pass the lake and weir and emerge by the entrance of Lullingstone Castle. Keep the villa on your left and walk straight ahead, past signs for a bird of prey centre, and underneath the viaduct. Your way now takes you close to the River Darent again and back, over the ford, into Eynsford.