A 10.5 mile loop that begins by running through Lullingstone Country Park then follows fields and trails through Eynsford and Shoreham.
Starting Point
This loop starts and finishes on Redmans Lane near Lullingstone Country Park. There's some space on this lane to park a car but alternative points on the route to leave a car include Lullingstone Castle, Shacklands Road or Station Road.
Details for this route can be found here and you can download the GPX file to follow the route directly from your watch.
This route has a nice mix of woodland trails, footpaths across fields and sections of country lanes. Trail shoes are advisable but the route is non-technical so road shoes would suffice.
Mile 1
The route starts by following a footpath sign off of Redmans Lane. Run directly across the field ahead of you following the path until it leads into a woodland area. Head right and follow the trails downhill through Beechen Wood. At the bottom of the hill you will see a car park. Here you turn left, ready for the second mile.
Miles 2 & 3
The second mile follows a path that runs along the edge of the River Darent. This is a flat, shaded section which can become a little busy on a hot day. The path eventually opens out in front of Lullingstone Castle. Here, continue ahead and follow the road towards the Viaduct. Keep on this road until you reach the village of Eynsford.
Miles 4 & 5
From Eynsford village turn onto Bowers Lane and take the footpath on your left hand side. Follow this path as it heads directly across the field ahead - uphill! The path continues across another couple of fields before heading downhill and ending on Maplescombe Lane. Take a right and run along this lane until it forks.
Miles 6 & 7
Maplescombe Lane forks to become Botsom Lane and Knatts Valley Road. At this junction there is also a footpath heading uphill to the right. Follow this path uphill and then take a left. Keep to this path which will lead into High Castle Wood.
Continue following the trail, which is well signposted, until you reach a lane. Cross this lane directly and join onto Romney Street. Continue straight ahead and after a short time join onto another footpath directly in front.
Mile 8 & 9
The footpath leads to open fields with a steep descent and ascent in the way of you reaching the other side! Follow the path downhill where it reaches a gradient of 30% at its maximum. At the bottom follow the trail lined by trees either side and head steeply uphill where the gradient reaches 25% at its maximum. At the top you will reach a stile. Head over this and continue following the path upwards through the woodland.
The footpath eventually reaches a road. Cross the road and take Station Road directly ahead, with the carpark on your right-hand side.
Miles 10 & 11
The road curves around to the right and you will again join a path that runs alongside the river. This path forks. Take the left path over a small bridge and then take another left to follow Mill Lane. Mill Lane will join another road. Rather than run along the road, there is a footpath directly ahead. This will lead uphill towards the right and come out onto Shacklands Road. Follow Shacklands Road briefly downhill before turning left onto Cockerhurst Road. As you head uphill don't miss the footpath on the left side. This footpath leads across the fields back to Redmans Lane which is where the route began.
This is a really enjoyable route, the trails aren't too technical and in general the inclines aren't too steep. It also passes through some lovely villages if you want to break up the run with some stops. The course has a total elevation of 1337ft over 10.5 miles and there's lots of parking options along the route so it can be started at any point on the loop.
Always run safely - let somebody know where you are and choose a safe time of day to run. For more route inspiration follow me on Strava and on instagram. Happy running! #happylegshappymind