Knockholt to Dunton Green – North Downs Way Rail Trail
A six mile walk exploring the stunning landscape situated just outside the London Borough of Bromley, most of which lies within the M25. The walk includes traditional Kentish villages and farmland as well as some panoramic vistas from the Downs towards Westerham and Sevenoaks. Halstead has a rural charm echoing its fruit-picking past and is linked to author Edith Nesbit, whose novel The Railway Children is believed to be inspired by her time at Halstead Hall near the railway. The Church of St Katharine the Virgin in Knockholt dates back to 1281, with much of its original structure intact, and features a memorial to rector Charles Hobley, who was killed when a bomb struck the rectory during the Blitz in March 1944. The surrounding Kent Downs are now home to increasing numbers of red kites, easily recognised by their forked tails, following successful conservation efforts. Also in the area is Chevening House, a Grade I listed Palladian mansion—possibly designed by Inigo Jones—now used as a retreat for Foreign Secretaries, with its gardens and parkland open to the public on selected summer days.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
1. Starting at Knockholt Station, exit onto the main road and turn left.
2. After a short distance, cross the road and go through a gate onto a public footpath. The path climbs initially before levelling off. Bear right at a junction with another path keeping the tree line to the left and continue following until reaching a gate.
3. Go through this gate and continue ahead following the path to the left hand side of a field. On reaching the end, bear left, crossing the track and into a second field, continuing ahead with the hedge to the right.
4. On reaching a road, turn left and after a short while go through a gate on the right into Halstead Place. (A slight detour is available by continuing a little further along the road into Halstead village). Turn left through the gate.
5. On reaching a stile, bear right, following the path to Rushmore Hill. Keep straight ahead, crossing the grass and continuing along the footpath keeping ahead at a track. The path now descends into a valley.
6. At the bottom of the valley, bear slightly right and continue up the hill, making for a lone pine tree at the top and taking the path to the right of the clearing through the trees. Continue past a plant nursery on the left until reaching a road (Rushmore Hill).
7. Turn left along this road crossing into Randles Lane when it starts to bend around to the right, then take the footpath on the left after the gates of a house. Climb the stile and continue along the path passing through a gate, 3 more stiles and another gate.
8. On reaching this gate, bear right and cross the field diagonally, making for a gap in the trees on the opposite side. The path runs alongside a driveway before emerging onto a road (Pound Lane). Turn left and continue until reaching a roundabout and the Three Horseshoes pub.
9. Cross carefully here, continuing ahead along Chevening Lane and passing several cottages and an old Police House before reaching the signpost for the North Downs Way. Ignore the first signpost (on the right) and continue for a very short distance until arriving at a second signpost on the left.
10. Go through a gate onto the North Downs Way and continue along a field with the hedge on the left. Aim for a gap in the far corner. Continue following the signs for the North Downs Way along a field edge until emerging into open countryside with fine views ahead.
11. Continue straight through the gate onto the top of the hill. Chevening House and St Botolph’s Church can be seen below. Descend carefully, keeping the fence line to the left.
12. Continue following the North Downs Way admiring the view towards Otford and Sevenoaks to the east. This is also a great place to spot red kites, which like to fly low over the slopes of the hill.
13. On reaching a gate on the left, go through, then take the path on the right, rather than going straight up the hill, to another gate, leaving the North Downs Way for a while. Follow the ridge of the hill straight until reaching a hedge at the end.
14. Go through a scissor gate and down some steps. Follow the path downhill towards some buildings with the hedge line to the right.
15. On reaching the road, cross with care and turn left. You have now rejoined the North Downs Way. Continue straight then turn right at a roundabout and continue to a bridge over the motorway. Continue straight along this road for just over a mile.
16. Shortly after a parade of shops, turn left into Station Road. Follow this as well as signs for Dunton Green Station, where the walk ends.
