A great route from Orpington in SE London and travelling to the coast at Dungeness. Within 30 minutes of leaving, the route is in English countryside and the chaos of city life is behind you. The route passes over the corner of Bough Beech Reservoir, popular with bird watchers. You will probably see some on the bridge. Passing between Tonbridge and Tonbridge Wells, the route carries on through more countryside and villages and you have a choice to visit Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens. The gardens are beautifully kept and you'll see some fine examples of untouched Oast Houses. These were used for drying hops for brewing beer. Many in Kent have been made into houses, so it is nice to see these in original condition. At Appledore, the route enters the Romney Marshes, famous for the Romney breed of sheep and then comes the coast at Littlestone. A short way along the coast are the 'Sound Mirrors'!
A forerunner of radar, acoustic mirrors were built on the south and north east coasts of England between about 1916 and the 1930s. The ‘listening ears’ were intended to provide early warning of incoming enemy aircraft.
2 miles further along the coast is a great little pub called The Pilot Inn. This is an ideal place for lunch and has plenty of parking and sea views.

After lunch, the route travels to Dungeness Lighthouses, yes there are two! Next comes two ancient Cinque Ports, Lydd and Rye and then onto Bodiam Castle. This has to be everyone's idea of the perfect castle and is well worth a visit. Then you'll pass Sir Winston Churchill's former home of Chartwell and sticking with the WWII theme you'll then pass RAF Biggin Hill, still internationally recognised for its role as Sir Winston Churchill's 'strongest link' in the Battle of Britain. From here, the route takes you back to the start.
A very nice route.
Enjoy