Penshurst Place Circular via the River Eden

This gentle 6.4km circuit starts near the village of Penshurst in the Kent Weald and follows sections of the River Eden through a pastoral landscape of hop gardens, orchards and water meadows beneath the walls of Penshurst Place, one of England's finest medieval manor houses. The route traces the river through flat, green countryside where the hedgerows are thick and the field margins are alive with wildflowers in summer, before looping back through quiet lanes and footpaths. The terrain is easy throughout with just 97 metres of climbing, and the Kentish landscape has a gentle, well-tended quality that makes the walk feel restful rather than challenging.

This is a pleasant dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential on the quieter riverside stretches, though leads are needed through the fields where livestock may be present. The River Eden provides good water access for paddling and drinking, with shallow gravel margins in several places. The paths can be muddy after rain, particularly through the water meadows. Penshurst village has the Leicester Arms Hotel which welcomes dogs, and the village stores for supplies. The views across to Penshurst Place and its grounds add historical interest to the walk. A calm, easy outing that suits dogs of all ages and works well combined with a pub lunch in the village.