The heart of Bishopsbourne

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Walk directions

From the church, walk around the right-hand edge of the graveyard following the Elham Valley Way. Have a look for the grave of the Reverend Joseph Bancroft Reade. A former rector of the church, he was one of only a handful of religious men who felt that Darwin's theory of evolution did not go against the teachings of the Bible. Go through a gate, then, after 100yds (91m), bear right across pasture to cross a bridge over the Nail Bourne. Pass through another gate and continue through parkland of Bourne Park House, passing the lake on your left, to reach a kissing gate, turn left onto Bourne Park Road. Stroll past the gates of Bourne Park House and continue until you reach two cottages on the right.

Turn left down the lane and cross the stream again. Follow the lane until it bends left to a farm and hop gardens, then continue ahead between the hedges. There's a gentle climb now, then you fork left across a bridge and uphill along the edge of a field. Cross a stile at the top, then descend into the valley, walking diagonally left over the fields and over another stile towards the distant high hedge. Go through the hedge, cross straight over the field towards the oast house, bearing right in the next field to reach the lane. Turn left and walk along the road past Middle Pett Farm.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Narrow lanes, field and woodland paths, many stiles
  Landscape  - Country house parkland, agricultural fields and orchards
  Dog friendliness  - On lead at all times
  Parking  - Bishopsbourne, by the church or near the Mermaid Inn
  Toilets en route  - None on route
About the walk
Polish writer Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) came to Bishopsbourne in 1919. He lived a riotous life, but eventually, Conrad settled down quietly in Kent. He took to writing and spent the last five years of his life living at Oswalds, a little house by the church. The 18th-century, Grade II listed house...
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About the area
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Area image

The heart of Bishopsbourne

Recommended by
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Narrow lanes, field and woodland paths, many stiles
  Landscape - Country house parkland, agricultural fields and orchards
  Dog friendliness - On lead at all times
  Parking - Bishopsbourne, by the church or near the Mermaid Inn
  Toilets en route - None on route
About the walk
Polish writer Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) came to Bishopsbourne in 1919. He lived a riotous life, but eventually, Conrad settled down quietly in Kent. He took to writing and spent the last five years of his life living at Oswalds, a little house by the church. The 18th-century, Grade II listed house...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Kent
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.