Harsol two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Accurate and decent route.

Loved this. Enjoyed hearing the skylarks singing on the downs above Longfield again (overlap with HarNor which I walked in summer). Much of this route goes along thin pieces of woodland between the fields. There were many bluebell shoots emerging, it will be gorgeous in a month or so.

Some steep climbs at the Longfield end, but it's gentler towards Sole St. From Nurstead to Sole St Station it joins the long distance Wealdway, so the signage is a bit better and has the joined WW symbol.

Marc's review mentions traffic on Newstead Lane by New Barn. It was pretty busy on Sunday early afternoon, about 10 vehicles passed in 600m. The road is just wide enough for a driver to feel they don't have to slow, but narrow enough that a pedestrian stops, tucked against the verge as they pass. It was walkable, but a little wearing.

I tried out two alternative sections to see if I could resolve some things from Marc's review, so I missed part of this route. First was Park Hill and the footpaths towards Nurstead Ct (start TQ 6309 6841) and second from about 100m after that, where a public footpath runs parallel to the bridleway (which might be particularly muddy). The first detour was via Windmill Hill Rd and Nash St, and had far less traffic. The second will be full of bluebells. I'll upload a new route with both options.

This is a mostly off road walk from the village of Sole Street through Nurstead Court, then New Barn that ends in Longfield (rather than Hartley as the name suggests).

I walked this route on a clear winter afternoon in reverse from Sole Street to Longfield direction. Due to heavy rain over the previous week certain footpaths were quite water logged and a section of road was completely flooded (see accompanying photo).

This way includes a much improved suggestion to walk out across the fields between New Barn and Longfield thus avoiding a section of busy road on the Harsol One route and offering some good views out across the Kent countryside.

In addition to the access challenges of the flooded road it should be noted that this way includes unavoidable sections of walking along country lanes and roads with no verge or pavement. These roads are quiet but it is still likely you will be passed by traffic whilst walking in the road. Additionally some sections take you onto popular bridleways so the chances are good you will pass horses along the section around Nurstead Court.

My wayfinding app had difficulty plotting the route from Nurstead Court towards Park Hill lane. Nurstead Court have flagged each gate with a yellow-topped post which should be visible from either side of the field. On the other side of Wrotham Road the suggested footpath across the field has been ploughed over by the farmer and the footpath signs damaged -- I ended up following the edge of the field to reconnect to the route.

Lastly at several points there are stiles and narrow kissing gates that may prove problematic for wheelchair users and some dogs.

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