Emmetts, French Street, Chartwell and Toy's Hill
Walks in South East England
Toy's Hill was the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust back over a hundred years ago. This walk takes in not only Toy's Hill but also the delightful Emmetts Garden, home to a stunning display of bluebells in the spring, and it also visits Chartwell, the later home of Winston Churchill and home to a huge collection of his paintings. The walk itself is surprisingly challenging with a steep grade at Puddledock Lane, but makes up for the difficulty with stunning views, in particular over Castle Grove where the bombed-out ruin of a manor house (long since cleared) leaves a wonderful clearing for a spot to eat.
Story by Steven Spall
Statistics and Files
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
147 Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Westerham
The Walk
Parking up at Emmetts Garden (National Trust) follow the route through the gardens, being sure to check in on the bluebell wood when in season. Passing the signposted tea shop (something I rarely did when I lived in Kent) follow the signpost into The Chart where Toy's Hill should be marked.
Taking the left path at the crossroads the route should lead onto the Greensand Way and ultimately to the car park for Toy's Hill. One doesn't follow the road for very long however, as the route leading through the woods should take you onto the bridleway (right) on towards Frenchstreet Farm. The occasionally muddy route through the woods brings you eventually into Chartwell.
Passing through the estate, be sure to take a look in at the bomb crater that some Luftwaffe pilot dropped on the estate (I wonder if they knew where they were!) and follow the OS map toward Puddledock. Follow the steep lane and rejoin the trails taking you back to Emmetts Garden.
Pictures courtesy of Kate Cash (unless otherwise indicated).