Weardale walk from Toys Hill
This 5-mile circular walk links Chartwell and Emmetts Garden, passing through Weardale, the woodland areas of Toys Hill and Hosey Common, as well as the hamlet of French Street.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Toys Hill car park on Chart Lane, grid ref: TQ470517
Step 1
From the National Trust car park at Toys Hill, take the path opposite the car park exit and turn left at a crossroads and onto a wide path. Continue on this path, ignoring two paths to the left, until you reach the site of Weardale Manor on the left. There is an information panel about the history of the house and its demise.
Step 2
Stay on the wide stony track between the information panel and the monument until you pass two paths on the right. Go through the wooden barrier here and then straight over a crossing track. Ignore the two paths to the right and continue downhill to exit Toys Hill through posts by a gate. Continue down the lane for some distance – this is usually a quiet lane.
Step 3
Pass a farm and continue uphill to the hamlet of French Street. After passing the first few cottages, turn left on a signposted bridleway and keep left whenever the path forks until reaching Hosey Common Lane.
Step 4
Turn left onto the road and, after a short distance, turn right by a National Trust sign for Chartwell. Almost immediately, turn left at a T-junction. Take time to explore the wider estate of Chartwell, going through the woodland and then looping back on the lower path.
Step 5
Exit Chartwell's estate and turn immediately right onto an enclosed path. Follow it uphill until reaching Hosey Common Lane. Cross the road to the bridleway opposite.
Step 6
Remain on this track, keeping to the right whenever it forks. At the road (French Street hamlet) turn left. Shortly opposite a 'GR' red post box in the hedge, turn right onto a footpath taking the right fork. This enclosed path descends via steps and a couple of stiles to a footbridge.
Step 7
Continue straight ahead uphill to a stile in the top right-hand corner of the field. Once over the stile cross the track and take the path opposite, eventually coming to a wooden seat. Over the next stile bear diagonally right heading towards a further stile in the corner of the field.
Step 8
Cross this stile and turn right. Continue with the fence on your left and, where the fence ends, bear right and follow this path for a short way to a crossing track. Turn left, ignoring a path to the right and continue to Chart Lane.
Step 9
Cross the road and take the path opposite. Follow it through the glade for some distance to emerge by a fence on to Emmetts Lane. Turn left and ignore the bridleway opposite.
Step 10
Opposite the entrance to Ide Hill House turn right onto a footpath. Eventually you'll come to a crossing track. Turn right to continue the walk.
Step 11
Turn right at the crossroads and continue downhill, over another set off crossroads and then uphill on a sunken path through Scords Wood.
Step 12
At the next crossroads of paths go straight ahead and continue on this path for some distance. At the next crossroads turn right and go steadily uphill. On reaching a junction of five paths, take the second exit on your left, ignoring the first on your left and two on your right. Take the path to the road, cross over and finish your walk back in the car park.
End point
Toys Hill car park on Chart Lane, grid ref: TQ470517
Trail map
More near here
Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West
Follow the Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West in Kent and experience the places that were part of the life and history of one of the National Trust's founders.
Octavia Hill Centenary Trail East
Starting at Toys Hill, you'll walk to the picturesque village of Ide Hill and her commemorative seat, passing Emmetts Garden on the way back.
Weardale circular walk from Chartwell
A beautiful 3-hour walk that links Chartwell with Emmetts Garden. From daffodils and bluebells to roses and autumnal shades, enjoy a rainbow of colour throughout each month of the year as you walk through the West Kent countryside.
Toys Hill and Emmetts Garden circular walk
A 2.5-mile walk from Emmetts through the picturesque village of Ide Hill in the Kent countryside.
Get in touch
Brasted Chart, Kent, TN16 1QG
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