Shorne-Cobham-Holly Hill-Trosley (Kent, UK)

Circular route in the West Kent Downs over a distance of nearly 60 km and about 900 meters of ascent, linking Shorne Woods Country Park, Cobham Wood, Holly Hill and Trosley Country Park.

Most of the track is off-road, using byways and bridleways, connecting some sections of the Wealdway, the North Downs Way, the Pilgrims Way and the Darnley Trail. The few on-road sections follow country lanes with almost no traffic.

Many shortcuts are possible, it´s quite easy to make this route shorter avoiding some of its loops.

Only needed to dismount at a 100 meter long steep section in Cobham Wood, not far from the Darnley Mausoleum.

The route was not too muddy (beginning of November), except in a couple of small patches, one in the area between Istead Rise and Sole Street, and the other while surrounding Ranscombe Farm. The most Eastern part of Shorne Woods Park is usually very wet and muddy, it was avoided for that reason, crossing the Park through its "horse/cycle route shortcut" (see picture) instead.

Some interesting paragraphs from the kentdowns.org.uk website:

"A naturally beautiful place

The Kent Downs AONB is a special and enchanting place; it is a landscape of drama and intimacy. The Landscapes of the Kent Downs include special and distinctive features including a dramatic south- facing scarp, secluded dry chalk valleys a network of tiny lanes, isolated farmsteads, churches castles and oasts, orchards, the dramatic white cliffs, the ancient woodlands and delicate chalk grassland. The Downs are particularly rich in wildlife and there are several species which are largely or wholly confined to the AONB in Britain.

Close to many people

This wonderful, ancient and remote countryside lies close to London and is nearby several large centres of population, making the Kent Downs a much valued and much needed place. While only 66,000 people live in the AONB over a million live within a kilometre of the boundary."