Kent · United Kingdom
Shoreham Figure of 8 Circular
Just around 40 minutes by train from London, this route explores the stunning Darent Valley, combining peaceful riverside paths, rolling chalk hills, and spectacular viewpoints in the heart of the Kent Downs National Landscape.
Walk Highlights:
Follow the scenic Figure of 8 route through the beautiful Darent Valley
Explore the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the Kent Downs National Landscape
Wander through the picturesque village of Shoreham, with its historic cottages, pubs, and village green Pass through Otford, a historic village with medieval connections and beautiful countryside surroundings
Enjoy seasonal wildflowers and chalk grassland, especially in spring and summer
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
20.1km/12.4mi
⏱️ Duration
5.5 hours
📈 Elevation
320m/1,049ft
🗓 Best Season
All year round
ESTIMATED COSTS
🚌 Transfers
~13-18 GBP
The Route
⚠️ The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Download offline maps before you go - cell signal is unreliable.
Be familiar with key safety locations and emergency shelters in case you need to bail part way.
Check weather and trail conditions before starting.
Getting to the Trail Head
🚂 Train
The are frequent trains operated by Southeastern Railway and Thameslink Railway which leave every 15 to 30 minutes from London Charing Cross and London Blackfriars to Shoreham (Kent). The most economical way to travel is to buy a off-peak day return journey.
13-18 GBP · 45-60min
🚎 Transfer Tips
Ensure you are buying your ticket to Shoreham (Kent) and not Shoreham-by-Sea.
Tickets vary quite a bit depending on the time and route.
Railcards can provide up to 30% off the tickets during off-peak hours (after 10am on weekdays and all weekend and bank holidays).
The network railcard is valid for this journey.
You can purchase train tickets directly from train operators or via third party apps such as trainline which have slightly better interfaces. Please note that these apps do charge a small booking/handling fee.
Food Options
🍻 The Kings Arms
A traditional pub with a casual vibe offering sunday roasts, mac and cheese, fish and chips, lighter bites and a selection of drinks.
10-20 GBP
🍻 The Samuel Palmer
A gastro pub with a relaxed vibe offering very large sharing boards, substantial roast dishes and plenty of cake and desserts.
20-30 GBP
Getting Home
🚂 Train
The are frequent trains operated by Southern Railway and Thameslink Railway which leave every 15 to 30 minutes from Shoreham (Kent) train station. Ideally, you would have bought a return journey.
13-18 GBP · 30 min
Not sure on what to bring?
The complete
hiking kit list
Everything you need to pack — from blister-prevention basics to gear that's keeps you safe and comfortable on the trail.
Terms of Use
A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.
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