Darent Valley Path - part of
The Darent River flows from the North Downs outside Sevenoaks 19 miles to the River Thames. While I didn't have time to run the whole thing I did manage part of it. I started in Farningham and headed north as far as Questor on the outskirts of Dartford before doubling back on myself and passing through Farningham and south as far as Lullingstone Castle before turning again and heading back to my start point. It was a scorching day and I had decided trails were in order. I couldn't face the city in 30 degree heat. I drove to Farningham just off the M20 half a mile outside the M25. This tranquil village of cottages, stone bridges and homely pubs is a world away from city life. There is also free parking. The trail was easy to find beside an historic bridge over the river. I followed the flowing water through woodland and past pastures containing horses and, bizarrely, emus. Butterflies, bees and dragonflies zipped past as I dodged the nettles and brambles. Someone recently asked
