Edeton one

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A wonderful walk that was spoiled by long stretch of uncomfortable non-pavemented, relatively high traffic road walking, the main road between Hever and Edenbridge. I've flagged it now that I've found a safe alternative. On the day I chose to divert quite quickly and tried the Eden Valley Walk again, plus then a shortcut footpath between Lydens Lane and Hever Rd. Not a success. The EVW had been moved and the next bit was little used through waist high grass, then an unrestored path through tall, stiff wheat hiding tractor ruts with wide cracks in dried soil. Followed by a short bit on road (as above), no verge on a blind bend.

I had better luck in Dec 2023. Until I get around to uploading the new route, you can join this with EdeCow 2. From Hever take a footpath going south from the church, then quiet Rectory Lane, left onto Uckfield Lane for 100m and join EdeCow 2 on quiet Hever Lane. That goes right past Hever Station unlike this route. Just after the station the footpaths (and the EVW) have recently been relocated, maps and apps probably won't be up to date, but you should be fine with forewarning or coming from Edenbridge, see text for EdeCow 2 for details. I might also tweak the route at Tonbridge. Using the Eden Valley Walk would add <100m and be off road immediately. Tonbridge High St is super busy and doesn't need to actually be on the route, it's not easy to miss.

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Most of this route follows the Eden Valley Walk and for a few miles the Wealdway too. That was well maintained, signage was mostly good, but was missing enough to not get complacent. Overall it's a very attractive walk with varied scenery and two good refreshment places at Penshurst and Hever.

Highlights. Walking beside the River Medway. Penshurst Place (good view from the hill to the east). An old roadway which has worn a canyon through a sandstone outcrop. Old buildings with curved wooden beams, esp. in Penshurst. Being watched by roe deer. Watching a barn owl quartering across rough meadow. Many wildflowers, shady woodlands, ancient ponds and veteran trees.

Low points. Some navigation niggles in wider vicinity of Haysden Water. Road walking between Hever and Edenbridge as above. I imagine they will be particularly busy when Hever Castle is, in summer or large events.

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