Sevton four

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I did the route in reverse (more fool me because you spend more time going up hill!). Ideal route from Tonbridge to Sevenoaks taking in paths that I have enjoyed before on different walks/runs. Luckily enough to go when the bluebells were out and when the ground was dry. Some parts would be quite muddy in winter. Agree with the amends made here versus older versions.

I'm very happy to review this finessed version of SevTon 3 as I have walked it in March 2023 and then, in reverse, in June 2025. Although admittedly I haven't actually walked the short 400m difference just outside Shipbourne but the path must be in frequent use and easy to follow, especially as it's so close to a lovely country pub. Please see my reviews over there (and ignore the complaints) for why I'm giving this version 5 stars.

I have walked along both the minor route changes through the terminal towns at one time or another. Both are more enjoyable than the original and in Sevenoaks this avoids a boring drudge beside a noisy road. It also has a better GPS file for anyone using an app or smart watch to navigate by. Thanks Derick!.

I walked this on a lovely and warm morning, from Sevenoaks to Tonbridge. It had rained a little in the preceding days, but it wasn't very muddy.

Unlike SevWes3, this takes a much nicer direction, away from the busy London Road to Knole Park. Once you get there (photo #1, #2), the route becomes really nice, although quite hilly. Luckily, if you walk it in this direction, the steepest climbs are first.

An earlier review mentioned that the paths at the riding school were blocked, but I had no problem coming diagonally through the field as drawn. It's good that there is an easier alternative though. Just beyond, the views open up towards the south (photo #3), and South Downs open up. The route now follows the Greensand Way for a long time, and the walk is great (photo #4). Sometimes, the path comes along an often narrow path, with a steep drop on the south (photo #5). These views continue (photo #6, #7) into the Ightham Mote National Trust site as well.

Once you pass Ightham Mote itself (photo #8), the route no longer goes through woods, but instead mostly open countryside (photo #9, #10, #11). With views and good paths. Near Sittingbourne, there is a public footpath over private land, but I followed a path around it, on a permissive way. This had no stiles, and was very easy going — probably better than the actual footpath.

You then go across a few fields, before lanes and tracks to get you to Coldharbour Farm, and more tracks. You cut through Hildenbosch to cross the busy-ish B245/London Road, and around the Hawden Farm, where the paths were being grazed with sheep (photo #12). The route then continues across Rugby fields (photo #13) and after a short residential section (photo #14) you go around the castle (photo #15).

A little short section of the busy shopping street gets you to the finish. Tonbridge Station is just a little further south.

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