The heart of Bishopsbourne

Polish writer Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) came to Bishopsbourne in 1919. He lived a riotous life, but eventually, Conrad settled down quietly in Kent. He took to writing and spent the last five years of his life living at Oswalds, a little house by the church. The 18th-century, Grade II listed house was built on the Nail Bourne (which was rather unsuccessfully diverted to a north-easterly path round the house) and can be seen at the start of the walk.

The area has another literary connection: one of the James Bond books, You Only Live Twice (1964) was written at The Duck Inn at nearby Pett Bottom. Ian Fleming, who wrote the books, lived in Kent (when he wasn't living in Jamaica), and frequently took his inspiration from the area. In fact James Bond's code name was taken from the number 007 bus that ran by Fleming's home near Dover. 

Early on this walk you go by the lovely parkland of Bourne Park House. The house was built in 1701 and is considered to be Kent's finest Queen Anne building. When the lake was excavated Roman pottery and coins were found; archaeologists think that this was the site of an important settlement.

St Mary's Church dates back to the 13th century and is Grade I listed. It has medieval floor tiles, notable 14th-century wall paintings and examples of stained glass. It is worth taking a short detour from the walk to look at the west window by the Arts and Crafts artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

From the church, walk around the right-hand edge of the graveyard following the Elham Valley Way. Have a look for the grave of the Reverend Joseph Bancroft Reade. A former rector of the church, he was one of only a handful of religious men who felt that Darwin's theory of evolution did not go against the teachings of the Bible. Go through a gate, then, after 100yds (91m), bear right across pasture to cross a bridge over the Nail Bourne. Pass through another gate and continue through parkland of Bourne Park House, passing the lake on your left, to reach a kissing gate, turn left onto Bourne Park Road. Stroll past the gates of Bourne Park House and continue until you reach two cottages on the right.

Turn left down the lane and cross the stream again. Follow the lane until it bends left to a farm and hop gardens, then continue ahead between the hedges. There's a gentle climb now, then you fork left across a bridge and uphill along the edge of a field. Cross a stile at the top, then descend into the valley, walking diagonally left over the fields and over another stile towards the distant high hedge. Go through the hedge, cross straight over the field towards the oast house, bearing right in the next field to reach the lane. Turn left and walk along the road past Middle Pett Farm.

Continue walking ahead, pass Little Pett Farm and then turn left to head up the footpath. Cross a stile at the top left-hand corner and continue across the next field. Cross a stile, then walk left across the next field and continue uphill through the next field towards the corner of the woodland. Follow the left-hand side of the wood and, after about 400yds (366m), turn left, away from the wood, and cross the field to the corner of a hedge.

Ignore the stile and fork right across the field, following the track into woodland. Emerge into open fields and soon turn left. Fork right at the first telegraph pole and walk across a large field, heading towards the chimneys of Crows Camp ahead. Pass to the left of the hedge, turn left at the road and walk back into Bishopsbourne to return to your car.