Darent Valley Path

The Darent Valley Path on this page is 63.99 km long with 616 m of total ascent, so it fits well as a gentle multi-day walk rather than a single short outing. Strong walkers could cover it in 2 long days, while a more relaxed pace usually means 3 days with overnight stops around villages in the Darent Valley.

The Darent Valley Path is generally considered an easy long-distance walk, and this route is graded Easy with 616 m of elevation gain spread over 63.99 km. That makes it more about steady mileage than steep climbing, with the valley setting helping keep gradients manageable for newer long-distance hikers.

The traditional Darent Valley Path runs between Dartford and the hills above Sevenoaks, following the River Darent through the valley. Public descriptions of the route place one end near the River Thames at Dartford and the other above Sevenoaks, passing places such as Otford, Shoreham, Eynsford, Farningham, and South Darenth along the way.

Yes. The Darent Valley Path is described as a waymarked and well-signposted long-distance route through Kent, which makes it easier to follow than many lesser-known countryside trails. Even so, it is still a 63.99 km multi-day walk, so carrying a proper map or route guidance is sensible for field edges, village links, and road crossings.

Yes, the Darent Valley Path is one of the more public-transport-friendly long walks in Kent. The route is served by stations including Dartford, Sevenoaks, Bat and Ball, Otford, Eynsford, Farningham Road, and Dunton Green, which makes it practical to walk it in sections as well as over several days.

The Darent Valley Path follows the River Darent through a string of well-known Kent villages and valley landmarks. Walkers commonly pass or approach Otford, Shoreham, Eynsford, Farningham, Horton Kirby, South Darenth, and Dartford, with notable nearby sights including Lullingstone Country Park, Lullingstone Roman Villa, and Eynsford Castle.

The Darent Valley Path combines riverside walking with wider views across the Kent Downs National Landscape. Descriptions of the route highlight marshes near the Thames, woodland, chalk grassland, farmland, and the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks, so the scenery changes noticeably from one end of the trail to the other.