[1] Just north of the lay-by, turn left down a lane/bridleway (signed for Salmans Farm B&B).
This is part of the waymarked Eden Valley Walk (EVW), a 15-mile linear route between Edenbridge and Tonbridge.
After crossing the River Eden, fork right along a track (still following the EVW).
Oast houses can be spotted across the fields in the distance.
Having passed Wat Stock, look out for a bridle gate (alongside a large gate) on your right, go through this and follow the path to a gate at the far side. Turn right along the road and almost immediately left onto a footpath.
[2] After 500m, fork right along a footpath signed for Chiddingstone Village. You’ll soon reach a stile; cross and bear left. The gently ascending path leads to the village road.
[3] If you wish to view the Chiding Stone, turn left and left again along a footpath signed towards it, a couple of minutes’ walk.
(A) This large sandstone boulder is rumoured to have served various purposes over the centuries: an old Saxon boundary marker, a Druids’ altar and, most popularly, a place where nagging wives or wrong-doers were brought to be chided by the assembled village.
Return to the road and continue into the village for a look round.
(B) The so-called Castle is a country house dating from the 16th century, subsequently extended and remodelled in the castle-style.
Retrace your steps to the start of [3].
Just along on the road, go left down a drive past some houses and continue along a footpath heading north to cross the river Eden again. Just beyond, bear right along a footpath that climbs gently up through fields. At the top turn right (east) along the right-hand edge of the field, cross a stile and continue along the left-hand edge of the next field. Go straight across the road you reach, pass some houses, then cut left across the corner of the field, go through a gap and follow the hedge (on your right) gently downhill, bearing slightly left to cross a footbridge. Continue along the footpath heading east, then southeast, down to a stream. Cross it and take the path on the stream’s right-hand side to the road and houses at Moorden.
[4] Turn right then left down a drive and continue on the footpath, which leads to a lane by a bridge over the railway. Go right down the lane to another road and turn left, then immediately right at a footpath turn-off.
[5] Now in the grounds of Penshurst Place Estate, take the right of the two footpaths and follow this southwards.
(C) Situated in the picturesque rolling countryside of the High Weald AONB, is Penshurst Place, one of England’s great privately-owned stately homes. Surrounded by landscaped parkland, it originated in the 14th century but has been modified and extended over the centuries. It has been owned by the Sidney family since 1552. The house and gardens are closed during the winter (see www.penshurstplace.com for opening dates and times), but there are public footpaths through the Estate, which afford good views of the splendid house.
You’ll reach a high point with great views. The path then goes gently downhill, passing to the right of the lake and an impressive house. It leads you to the churchyard, through the little courtyard in front of the church entrance and into the village. Turn right back to the start or left through the gatehouse archway for Penshurst Place.