This walk is a loop from the attractive Kent village of Shoreham, nestling in the valley carved out of the North Downs by the River Darent. It combines downland walking with a contrasting riverside stretch along the bucolic River Darent. There is a good mix of woodland and open countryside with some fine views from the steep-sided hills overlooking the valley.

After leaving Shoreham station it is a short walk to St Peter and Paul parish church, with a notable 15th century porch, where we will have a brief stop. After passing through Shoreham village we climb steeply to the western escarpment and Shoreham Cross. Here we can have a breather and admire the views across the Darent valley to the east. The Shoreham Memorial Cross, over 100 feet long, is a striking feature on the hillside above Shoreham Village and is visible from afar. It was carved into the chalky hillside in 1920 as a memorial to the local men killed during World War One.

After several further undulations we enter Lullingstone Country Park, an attractive landscape of chalk grassland and ancient woodland with an internationally important collection of veteran trees. We have a brief view of the impressive Eynsford railway viaduct. Joining the Darent valley, we pass Lullingstone Castle, a historic manor house which can be visited (but with limited opening hours). Its grounds contain an unusual parish church (freely open to the public at all times) and a World Garden with plants from around the globe. However anyone visiting these attractions would need to leave the walk at that point! We have a view of its lake (a dammed section of the river) a bit further on. The route back to Shoreham village is along the Darent Valley Path which passes extensive lavender fields at Castle Farm.