Shipbourne, Ightham Mote, Stone Street and Godden Green

The striking Victorian church of St Giles in Shipbourne marks the start and finish of the walk. From Shipbourne, a path leads through fields and woodlands to give a fine view of Fairlawne Park, a privately owned country mansion once home to the puritan Vane family (whose friend John Milton was a notable visitor). After the Restoration in 1662, Sir Harry Vane was executed for his political beliefs, and his ghost is said to haunt the park on the anniversary of his execution with his head under his arm.

Approaching the historical manor of Ightham Mote, there are views of conical oast houses, while the moat with its Tudor cottages and strutting peacocks is a well-known local landmark.

The walk to the village of Godden Green passes more orchards and continues through a secluded small valley. The duckpond and pub at Godden Green make a pleasant stopping place, backed by 19th-century cottages and an old stable.

From Godden Green, the walk heads to Lord Spring's Wood and past Fawke Farm House to reach woodland on the heights of One Tree Hill, offering fine views across the Kent countryside. After following the Greensand Way across the ridge of One Tree Hill, Rooks Hill, and Shingle Hill, the walk descends to Budd's Green before crossing pasture back to Shipbourne.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.