Faesten Dic Path

This gentle circular walk in the woods on the Kent and Greater London fringe follows the line of Faesten Dic, an early medieval earthwork whose name means "strong dyke" in Old English. At just over three kilometres with modest ascent, it makes an easy outing through mixed woodland, with waymarked sculptures adding interest along the way.

From the start the path leads you past the Hurricane, a wooden carving commemorating the aircraft associated with the Battle of Britain skies overhead, before reaching the Saxon Soldier sculpture that nods to the dyke's ancient origins. The route then traces sections of the Faesten Dic itself, still visible as a bank and ditch running through the trees.

The wider setting includes Joydens Wood and neighbouring Pearson's Wood, both quiet pockets of woodland with a network of connecting tracks. Near the edges of the walk you may notice a cast-iron coal tax post, one of the boundary markers set around London in the 19th century, and the church of St Barnabas lies nearby for those extending their visit.