Stonegate, Batemans and tasty views

STOP PRESS:  The train from Sevenoaks to Stonegate leaves at 09'43, not at 09'49". Thanks!

Beautiful 8.5 mile, figure-of-eight walk from Stonegate station; 35 minutes from Sevenoaks on the Hastings line. 

Passing through farmland, woodland, hop fields and wildflower meadows, with a couple of short climbs which lead to wide vistas across the countryside. Great for birdwatchers.

We'll be stopping for an hour's lunch break right by Batemans House & Gardens (TN19 7DS), where Rudyard Kipling lived. It's a National Trust property - there'll be time to visit for anyone who'd like to go in (optional). Bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. (There are shops in the village of Burwash, close to Batemans, if anyone needs to top up with water.)

Passing through several fields with sheep and their lambs, so regretfully, this walk isn't suitable for dogs.

Easy underfoot. Four stiles and one fixed gate to climb over, plus a couple of overgrown areas: you might want to bring something with long sleeves if you're wary of nettles and brambles.  

Train from Sevenoaks leaves at 09'49; arriving at Stonegate at 10'18.

Car parking at Stonegate station on a Saturday is £3.70 for the day: please download the APCOA Connect app in advance. If you're driving to the start/finish point, please consider car sharing. 

N.B Stonegate station is remote, with no facilities, so we'll do our utmost to coincide with either the 16'18 or 17'18 return trains; depending on walking speed and visitors to Batemans. (Free entry to Batemans for National Trust members, £14 for non-members.)