[1] Starting at Busstop Q on Instone Road (which Horseman's Place Surgery backs on to) and facing the main road and the large car park and covered market area, walk to the right and follow Instone Road towards the underpass and cross the road via the underpass, following the ramp as it curves to the left.
(A) Horseman's Place Surgery is near the site of the original Horseman’s Place which was an important Dartford Residence that existed in various forms from 1321 until a doctor’s surgery was built there.
[2] When you come out of the underpass, continue ahead (signposted town centre) onto Lowfield Road and walk along the pavement passing the Two Brewers pub and then the Priory Centre until you get to the pedestrianized area. Continue straight ahead towards the town centre, passing Argos to your right.
[3] At the High Street turn right and continue along the pedestrianized area following the sign towards Westgate Car Park and head towards the church (which you will see at the end of the High Street) which is the Holy Trinity parish church of Dartford.
(B) The Holy Trinity parish church of Dartford was built by Bishop Gundulf in the 11th Century. Evidence suggests that a church has occupied the site since Saxon times.
When you get to the church, continue along the pavement with the church to your left and cross the River Darenth over the road bridge.
(C) The River Darenth (or Darent) runs into the River Thames, and the name is thought to be Celtic and means 'river where oak trees grow'.
You come to a small paved area with information board about the Chicken Run and on the Overy (D).
[4] From here walk to the right towards the pedestrian crossing and carefully cross over the road (Home Gardens) crossing two crossings, and then cross East Hill across another 2 crossings (Caution due to traffic). Do not turn left (up East Hill) but walk ahead along the pavement/cyclepath following the Cyclepath sign towards Bluewater and Greenhithe. You will pass the Malt Shovel pub on your left, although the sign for it may be hidden by trees and the entrance is up some steep steps.
(E) The Malt Shovel is a listed building, the oldest part of the building dating back to the 15th century. The pub serves a variety of ales and other drinks and reasonably priced food.
Continue in the same direction along the pavement to the side of the bus route (Caution as there may be bicycles on or crossing the path).
[5]Continue up hill and follow the path as it goes slightly to the left, with rails either side, and continue until you reach a road. Follow the pavement to the right along Darent Valley Road, with railings on the right of the pavement. As you walk up the road, if you look to the right through the trees there are views towards Dartford Heath. Continue along the pavement towards the shops ahead.
[6] Shortly before you get to the shops, follow the paved area to the right, (with rails either side) downhill slightly towards the bus stop. Cross the road (caution buses) and then walk slightly to the left and then go through gates on the right into Central Park.
(F) Central Park is a 26 acre park with formal gardens, play and exercise areas and a large open space. The River Darent runs along its eastern boundary.
[7] There are some seats and a play area near the entrance to the park. Follow the path as it curves downhill past the football pitch and shrubs and follow the signs towards the tea room and Bandstand. Cross over the 2 successive bridges over the River Darenth.
[8] Continue in the same direction, along the main path, passing the skateboard park to the left and willow trees and the river to the right, and walk towards the white wooden building which is the tea room.
(G) The The Cafe in the Park is open from 8 a.m. every day and serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals at reasonable prices.
[9] Walk past the tearoom and continue in the same direction along the path, passing the Bandstand to your right.
(H) The Bandstand has stone paving, steps and edges of Kentish Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding.The bandstand has its own power supply, lighting and a music system for effect when not in use.
Continue along the same path as it curves to the right and you will soon see a ‘Welcome to Central Park sign’.
[10] Turn left here and go through the gates and leave the park, following the lane back towards the road.
[11] At the road, turn left and then cross the road at the traffic lights and crossing (Caution due to traffic). Then walk to your right, following the pavement towards the Lowfield Medical Centre. Pass this and the job centre, and at the corner of Instone road, turn left and walk back to Horseman’s Place.