The National Trust liked Chiddingstone so much that they bought it lock stock and barrel. The walk passes through this delightful village and provides the option of visiting its castle and 'Chiding Stone'. Nagging wives were said to have stood on the latter as a public punishment in the 17th-century. Starting at Hever, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, you will travel through delightful wooded countryside to reach Penshurst Place, the historic home of the Sidneys. Given the attractions, it might be worth taking a couple of days on this outing. By Len Banister.
Route: Is it for me? Can be very muddy in sections, but suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. OS map essential. Rated 'challenging' because of distance
Stiles 23
Start/Parking: Park near the church in Hever Castle car park, grid ref TQ475449
Nearest towns Tonbridge; Sevenoaks
Refreshments King Henry VIII Inn, Hever; Leicester Arms, Penshurst; Castle Inn, Chiddingstone; tearooms Chiddingstone; Penshurst
Public toilets None
Public transport Hourly train service from London Bridge to Hever Station (500m from start)
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 147; Landranger 188
From Country Walking magazine, to subscribe visit www.GreatMagazines.co.uk/CountryWalking © Copyright Bauer Media Limited 2011. All rights reserved. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk.
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