Darent Valley Rail Trails
Ranging from 2.5 to 9 miles, the 17 Darent Valley Rail Trails take you through the incredible landscapes surrounding the River Darent, an area in North Kent rich in heritage, wildlife and natural beauty.
More than 200 years ago, influential landscape artist, Samuel Palmer, described the Darent Valley as an ‘earthly paradise’. Stretching from the banks of the River Thames at Dartford in the north to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks in the south, the Darent Valley is one of Kent’s hidden treasures. Most of the Darent Valley lies within the nationally protected Kent Downs National Landscape and is rich in diverse habitats, wildlife and has an impressive cultural heritage.
The River Darent is the defining feature of the valley. This chalk stream has carved the landscape over 1000s of years. The surrounding land is a mix of woodlands, wide expanses of chalk grassland and fields, coastal marshland, historic parkland, with far-reaching views throughout. As well as being a unique landscape and a haven for wildlife, the Darent Valley also offers brilliant walking opportunities.
To help you explore this stunning region on foot, our Darent Valley team have created a brand-new selection of self-guided walks, all of which are accessible on your smart phone or tablet.
Darent Valley Rail Trail Walks
The 17 Rail Trails are available on the Darent Valley Trails app. There’s a choice of both circular and linear routes, and the walks range from 2.5 to 9 miles/4 to 14.4km. As you walk, the app offers insights into local history and wildlife to look out for, as well as detailed instructions to help you find your way.
Simply download the free app before you leave, or even on the train Wi-Fi on the way there. Then, each trail can be downloaded and followed offline, so you can explore the remote and tranquil countryside without worrying about signal or 4g.
And best of all, every route starts and ends at a mainline train station in North Kent, meaning you can go green and reduce your carbon footprint by leaving the car at home.
The Rail Trails are available to use on the Darent Valley Trails app, downloadable free on the App Store and Google Play.
