Walk stats
- Distance10.3 km · 6.4 mi
- Elevation+188 m
- Duration2 hr 30 min
- DifficultyChallenging
- Route typeLinear
- TerrainWoodland paths and estate tracks with some sustained climbs
- Best seasonSpring for bluebells, or autumn for woodland colour
- DogsDog-friendly on leads, especially through woodland and near livestock
About this walk
The Darnley Trail is a 10.3 km linear route through the wooded estate country on the western edge of Medway, linking a string of quiet landmarks across a landscape shaped by the Darnley family. From the Volunteer Garden the path threads into Brewers Wood, climbing gently through mixed woodland before opening out near the Toe Monument, one of several follies dotted around the former parkland.
The centrepiece is the Darnley Mausoleum, an imposing classical structure set among the trees and perhaps the most striking sight on the walk. From here the trail continues towards the village of Cobham, passing the Cobham War Memorial before arriving at The Ship, a welcome finish point for tired legs.
With 188 m of ascent spread across the route, this is a properly varied half-day outing. Nearby Jeskyns Community Woodland, Ashenbank Wood and Great Wood offer easy extensions, while curiosities such as Dadd's Hole and The Bogulons add a touch of local intrigue for anyone keen to linger.
Route map
Route line drawn from OpenStreetMap footpath data. Numbered markers are waypoints on the route; amber star markers are points of interest a short detour away.
Waypoints along the route
6 waypoints along the way
- 1
Volunteer Garden
- 2
Brewers Wood
- 3
Toe Monument
- 4
Darnley Mausoleum
- 5
Cobham War Memorial
- 6
The Ship
Worth a short detour
Points of interest just off the route, look for the amber markers on the map.
Dadd's Hole
~296 m off the route
Jeskyns Community Woodland
~431 m off the route
Ashenbank Wood
~297 m off the route
The Bogulons
~315 m off the route
Great Wood
~330 m off the route
Route & waypoint data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).