We decided to re-visit Penshurstand take a walk to the park instead of guessing our way around without a map. There was a rumor that a map could be obtained from the gift shop in the park itself so we dids't tak
e a walk there, located the leaflets and partook of a cup of coffee brewed and sold for a donation to a charity by a hard working lady. We parked in the village near the church and Liecester Square and from there we walked to the gift shop meeting many walkers on their way from elsewhere coming in the opposite direction. No matter. We had no id
ea where we going to end up until we had the leaflets.
e a walk there, located the leaflets and partook of a cup of coffee brewed and sold for a donation to a charity by a hard working lady. We parked in the village near the church and Liecester Square and from there we walked to the gift shop meeting many walkers on their way from elsewhere coming in the opposite direction. No matter. We had no id
ea where we going to end up until we had the leaflets. The idea was to walk and look back at the view as we climbed and perhaps do the shorter walk but instead we chose to do the longer route and as a result we made the right choice. We were warm and feeling good from the cooler weather and happy to walk on a well mapped path. The attraction apart from the views across the fields and the park itself was the huge Oak trees dotted around the estate. The woods showing autumn colors and the flocks of birds diving and flying; crows landing and feeding on the insects in the soil.
The day was wonderfully bright and warm for early November and although at times I took off my coat I did have to put it back feeling the nip in the air suggesting winter is not far off. The weather belied that thought and we basked in warm sunshine. There were two walks offered, the Parkland Walk and the Riversdie Walk. We chose the parkland walk and was treated to lovely views back toward Penshurst Place and when we reached the top views
across the weald and as far as Tonbridge. The path climbs from the car park normally reserved for visitors bypassing Well Place to join a cycle way (route 12) and deviates past some charming houses to the river Eden and then across the fields to the banks of the Medway.
across the weald and as far as Tonbridge. The path climbs from the car park normally reserved for visitors bypassing Well Place to join a cycle way (route 12) and deviates past some charming houses to the river Eden and then across the fields to the banks of the Medway. We crossed a field where some beautiful cows were gathering near the water troughs looking content.
We thought this was a nice touch as we have followed the Medway during the summer and early autumn. The path leaves the river and follows a busy road but we used part of the cycle track and when a path was offered further along the road we took it to avoid the vehicles that seemed to want to hurry along and miss the bright day.
The path climbs a hill and again we can view Tonbridge in the distance. Walk through a squeeze gate and onto an avenue of what we think might be Maples 
and then down through another avenue of Beech to the parkland passing the shattered oak and back to the village via the church. The oak is given the title 'Sidney Oak' to reflect the fact that it was there when Sir Philip Sidney of Elizabethan times was alive. From the size of it one would deduce that it is much older than 450 years since then and perhaps was closer to 800 years old. I think the fence is new.
and then down through another avenue of Beech to the parkland passing the shattered oak and back to the village via the church. The oak is given the title 'Sidney Oak' to reflect the fact that it was there when Sir Philip Sidney of Elizabethan times was alive. From the size of it one would deduce that it is much older than 450 years since then and perhaps was closer to 800 years old. I think the fence is new. Take this walk and enjoy it. The cycle track is linked to the Hayesden Park tracks and if you have the time try a walk either from the Country park to Penshurst and back or 
perhaps start from Penshurst early in the morning and walk back over the hills to the village allowing for a visit to the Liecester Arms for a meal. I suggest making it know you want to return and imbibe. Of course you need to look into the church where the Sidney family have their tombs.
perhaps start from Penshurst early in the morning and walk back over the hills to the village allowing for a visit to the Liecester Arms for a meal. I suggest making it know you want to return and imbibe. Of course you need to look into the church where the Sidney family have their tombs. I believe we will return for the riverside walks if the weather holds.
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