Ightham Mote Circular Walk to Old Soar Manor, Ightham Mote

This linear ramble through the Kent countryside links two of the area's most atmospheric historic houses, beginning at the moated medieval manor of Ightham Mote and threading out through woodland and farmland to reach Old Soar Manor. At around 6.4 km with a modest 201 m of ascent, it makes for a satisfying half-day's walking on mixed paths.

Leaving Ightham Mote, the route passes close to Roughway Paper Mill and crosses gently rolling country dotted with copses, with the small River Bourne flowing nearby. Old Soar Manor, the surviving solar block of a medieval manor house, sits tucked away down quiet lanes and makes a rewarding turnaround point before the walk continues towards Ightham village.

The return leg takes in classic Kentish scenery on the fringes of Quarry Wood and Scathes Wood, with the village of Shipbourne not far off the route. A welcome stop at The Chaser provides refreshment before the final stretch into Ightham, where the walk finishes within easy reach of onward transport.