Shoreham Cross Circular Walk

This is a very easy and short circular walk in the Darent Valley, featuring a medieval village, a white chalk hill cross, and wonderful views down to the village of Shoreham.

Looking towards a hill with the shoreham cross on the ground near the top of it, at the start of the circular walk. There are trees lining the bottom and top of the hill.

I say easy, but there is one hill. It’s short though.

It’s a perfect walk for a relaxed but active day weekend out from London, as it only takes 37min to get there by train, you get a nice dose of nature, and have a few old country pubs to choose from.

The Samuel Palmer pub on the road corner, near the start of the circular walk to the Shoreham Cross. There are three barrels on the pavement outside, with plants on top. There is a brick chimney on the roof.

A pub with a black sign on the facade saying ' Kings Arms Shoreham'.. The walls of the pub are painted white, there are black picnic benches outside, and black gazebo on the right side.

Fun Fact: Samuel Palmer lived here. A 19th century artist who would paint the village. I didn’t know who he was, I’m not familiar with arty things, but apparently he’s a big deal.

What to expect on the walk

From Shoreham station, it’s just a short walk to reach the village with views to the hill cross as you make your way there. Through the village you will reach the hill where you head straight up to get to the cross. It is steep, but it is also not too long.

The Shoreham Cross was dug in 1920 in memory of those who lost their lives in WWI.

Once up there, it’s a nice gentle walk along the top with those views down to Shoreham, before descending back to the village, where you can have a wander, stop at a pub or maybe the vineyard, go to the museum, or meander along the River Darent which is one of only about 200 chalk streams in the world.

Looking through an A framed arch with gold writing, near the start of the walk to the Shoreham Cross. You can see the village of Shoreham and the road with cars parked through the arch, and a brick walled house on the right.

A black timber framed old house with a chimney going up the side of it. There is a green hedge halfway up the left side of the house, and a wooden fence.

You can read more about Shoreham here.

If you’d like a slightly longer walk, which includes the Shoreham Cross, you could try this one. It’s also pretty easy. Otford is the next village along, which is definitely worth a visit. You could try this Solar System walk whilst over there.

Logistics

Start/Finish: Shoreham Kent
How to get there: Direct trains from Blackfriars, journey time 1h. Or indirect trains from. London Bridge, journey time 37min.
Coming by car: Street parking is free, however, I would be mindful of the locals. There is the Filston Lane Car park in Shoreham, TN14 7SP, which is free.
Distance: Just over 2miles.
Time: <1h.
Difficulty: Easy.
Terrain: Road, grass, dirt trail.
Dog friendly: Yes
Phone signal: A bit patchy in the village.
Amenities: No public toilets, but a few places to eat in Shoreham. Theres the Honey Pot Cafe and Tea Rooms, and The Mount Vineyard. For pubs you have The Kings Arms, The Crown, and The Samuel Palmer. Each are dog friendly. There is also a village store.
Time of year: I did this walk in winter.

Map for the Shoreham Cross circular walk

Route Description: How to walk the Shoreham Cross circular

Out of Shoreham station, walk down the steps to the road, and turn right. Then just a few meters along you will see a trail sign and path on the right. Take it.

A path on the left, and wire fence and field on the right, with a view to the Shoreham Cross up the hill in the distance at the start of the circular walk.

You will see the Shoreham Cross walking along here, up the hill ahead. That’s where you are heading.

When you reach the end, follow the path to the right, and a short way along go through the black gate on the left which will lead you along a tree lined path past the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church of England.

Looking along a narrow path lined with green trees.

Out the other end, follow the road, and curve with it to go over the bridge. Stay on this main road all the way to the end.

A residential road, with houses lining the right side, and a stone wall on the left side.

Looking along the river, with bushes and trees lining both side.

One of the things that struck me along here was how big some of the trees are, standing next to the houses. I did wonder about the roots under the houses and the implications of that.

A very large tree next to a row of houses on the right, the road in the middle, and cars parked on the left side.

Anyway, when you reach the end, turn right, passing the Honey Pot Cafe and Tea Rooms, then a short way further along, look out for a path and trail sign on the left.

Looking along a residential street, with cars parked on the left side, and trees poking up behind the houses on the left.

The Honey Pot Cafe and tea room decorated with Christmas stuff.

Walk up to the Shoreham Cross

Now follow this path as it takes you uphill. It’s straight up all the way now. Someway further up, go through the gate to walk on the trail lined with bushes.

A path leading uphill on the left, with a green leafed hedge on the right. There is a road sign, trail sign, and black bin nestled in the hedge.

A path leading uphill, with a green to the right and a very large tree on the right side of the path.

When you exit the bushes onto the hill field, continue up but in a diagonal right. You should be able to see the Shoreham Cross. Keep going until you reach it.

Looking up the green grass hill to the Shoreham Cross at the top. The top of the hill is lined with trees.

Looking down over the Shoreham Cross to the village at the bottom of the hill, almost hidden in the trees.

There is a bench up here (and dog bowl) if you fancy a rest, with a wonderful view down to Shoreham.

Walk back to to village

Now walk up to the trail and turn right. Follow this now all the way to the end. It’s nice and level, with that view down to the village.

A dirt path on the left, and leafless hedge on the right, on the walk away from the Shoreham Cross. Over the hedge to the right is a view to the fields and trees below and in the distance.

At some point there is a gate, go through it and keep going straight to reach the road.

A dirt track leading straight ahead, lined with trees.

Across the road you might see a a tree swing, which has a lovely view into the valley.

A swing hanging down from a tree, with a view to the valley of green fields ahead, and an orange crop field in-between the fields.

That’s not the way though. To walk back to the village, come back onto the same side of the road you arrived on and turn right into the field, then continue down the left edge to reach a gate. Go through it and now follow the narrow trail down. This will take you back to the village.

When you reach the road, if you turn right you will reach the Crown pub, then the Honey Pot Cafe and Tea Rooms is further along. If you stay straight (instead of turning right) continuing down the road, there will be a trail at the bottom on the right, which will take you along the river.