Exploring in Chislehurst
Walk down Chislehurst High Street, past Prick End Pond, cross the road and turn right into Prince Imperial Road. Follow this as it passes a row of large houses and, 50yds (46m) further on, the Methodist church. Where the houses end, take the bridle path to the right, running through the trees parallel to the road. When you cross Wilderness Road for the second time look left to see the memorial to Eugene, the French Prince Imperial.
Just past the golf clubhouse is William Willett's Cedars (built in 1893), identified by a blue plaque. Cross the main road and walk east up Watts Lane to the left of the cricket ground. About 440yds (402m) further on, after a field, is the crossroads of School Road, Morley Road and Crown Lane. In a few paces bear left to take the narrow, tarmac path towards St Nicholas Church. Go through the churchyard, keeping the church to your left and leave by the lychgate.
Cross the road and walk down Hawkwood Lane beside the Tiger's Head pub. After St Mary's Church and Coopers College the road bends to the left and joins Botany Bay Lane. Continue ahead and when you see a National Trust sign take the footpath on the left into the Hawkwood Estate, keeping to the right of the central fence. The path descends through woodland and along a boardwalk that skirts the edge of a pond. It then climbs steadily alongside a field (which may contain sheep). At the top (by another NT sign) is a fine view of Petts Wood. Tracks go left and right but continue straight ahead – the path wobbles left and right.
At a T-junction where the fence ends turn left and follow the bridle path straight on (it bends to the right, follow the EnBro Jubilee Walk signs) through the wood until you reach St Paul's Cray Road. Cross the road, turn left and take the path running parallel to the road. Continue for about 500yds (457m) until you pass The Chestnuts and emerge onto the road, opposite Chesil House. Continue on, past the Bull's Head Hotel then on past the colourful village sign depicting Elizabeth I knighting Thomas Walsingham in 1597. Continue to the War Memorial by the crossroads. Cross Bromley Lane and turn right down it.
A few paces further, take a footpath on the left, just before Kemnal Road. Continue along a wide track through the common (you can follow the pavement from here onwards if this section is muddy). After a pond on the right, cross the road and follow a footpath diagonally opposite through some trees and across a green. Continue along Chislehurst High Street, back to the start.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
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