Back on the trails - Eynsford / Otford / Eynsford loop

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It has been a while since I ran a trail route, my focus mainly being on the streets of London. Last weekend, however, I was back in the rolling hills of the north Kent countryside with Matt Shimwell.

We left while it was still dark and arrived in Eynsford as the sun began to rise; cresting the hill just as the golden glow broke over the horizon. We ran across the fields above the viaduct and past Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation. Soon we were in woodland and passing Lullingstone Park golf course adjacent to the M25.

We arrived at Polhill Bank where the view was stunning - although there was no cashpoint in sight.

It was a steep descent into Otford before a short loop brought us to Otford Mount, a steep hill that could only be walked very slowly. Another stunning view from the top towards Sevenoaks made it worthwhile.

Rowdow Wood and Cooper's Wood were replete with Bluebells. We passed an elderly couple with a dog descending the steep steps and then reached the south-eastern edge of our route. We turned north towards West Kingsdown. 


We ventured through a strange area that felt like an enclave with fenced off homes and SUVs. My mind began to conjure up Jack Reacher storylines about criminals depositing their ill gotten gains in land purchases. Silos filled with counterfeit goods and illegal substances. Cross county gangs hiding in plain sight. 

Matt put up with my ramblings. At one point we had to turn around after descending through woodland only for the trail to be fenced off leading us to find an alternative route which meant jumping fences.

Fields of Oil seed rape greeted us and soon we were in and out of High Castle Wood and on the road back to Eynsford.


I'd like to say that this sign welcomed us, but we had seen it half way around where it had been part of an Easter Story walk.


Over 21 miles we had managed 2400 ft of elevation affording us stunning views and screaming knees.






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