Trails of Kent - Sevenoaks, Knole Deer Park, 15km

Visit the town of Sevenoaks in Kent, the Garden of England, and explore the surrounding countryside with its historic houses, landscapes, and villages as old as time. It is the ideal place for a short break away from London and so close to the capital!

As we hike along from Sevenoaks, we'll enter Knole Park, Kent’s last medieval deer park and a tranquil haven where wild fallow deer roam freely (important: please do not attempt to touch or feed the deer). Knole Park is a thriving habitat for the diverse wildlife that have made it their home and it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Experience the history and wildlife of the park, which covers 1,000 acres of woods, parkland, and valleys. The oldest trees in the park date back to the early 1700s. A golf course was included in 1923. The Beatles filmed two music videos in the park - Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane.

Knole House situated within the park is one of England’s largest country houses; its elegance and grandeur will captivate you. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier, acquired Knole in 1456 and turned it into a grand and imposing palace while also establishing the deer park. Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family, who still live here today. The historic and stately show house encompasses seven acres of roofs and contains around 400 rooms! (Note: Knole house will be closed due to the production of a feature film)

At the end, we could obtain refreshments at a delightful pub in Sevenoaks (optional - it's just a 15min walk to the station from here).

Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP

Start time: 9:30am

Start location: Sevenoaks station, Kent (my mobile: 07951673142)

End location: Sevenoaks station

Length: 15km

Ascent: 290m

Time: approx 5-6 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.

Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. You need to be reasonably fit; there is a moderate level of ascent but overall it is suitable for beginners.

Transport (train): The 8:45am direct train from London Charing Cross reaches Sevenoaks station at 9:19am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.