Scotney parkland trail
Explore the historic parkland, take in views of Scotney Castle and discover key features of the Scotney estate. This trail is great for finding out about the history and secrets of this wooded estate in Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Near to
Scotney CastleStart point
Scotney Castle car park, grid ref: TQ688353Trail information
*A trail with a natural grassy path, moderate hills and a tarmac lane. For further details, please see section marked Terrain.
**The route is not fully accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome but, because of grazing livestock, must be kept on a lead at all times. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Scotney Castle car park, grid ref: TQ688353
Stage 1
At the bottom of the car park follow the road to the right, passing the view of the New House on your left. At the corner head towards the large white Salvin gate. Please be careful as there may be traffic on this section.
Stage 2
Go through the Salvin Gate and onto the old carriageway. Follow the old carriageway to the bridge at the bottom of the field.
Stage 3
The stream that runs under this bridge is called the Sweetbourne. This small stream feeds the moat surrounding the old castle. From the bridge continue on the old carriageway, go through the gate and head towards the next bridge. Look to the left before the next bridge for a glimpse of the old castle.
Stage 4
The river that flows under this bridge is the River Bewl. The Bewl Water reservoir is a short distance from Scotney. This bridge is interesting as from a carriage you would imagine the entire bridge was built of expensive sandstone with the owners showing off their wealth. However look over the bridge to see the lower half built of cheaper bricks. From the bridge go through the gate and walk up the hill until you reach the fingerpost.
Stage 5
From the fingerpost turn left and follow the blue-topped posts across the field. On reaching the blue post marked with an eight look to the right to see the gnarly old hornbeam pollard. Continue over the crest of the field towards the gap in the fence line.
Stage 6
Go through the gap and continue straight on along the edge of the woodland pasture. Stop halfway along this field and take in the view of the New House and old castle. There is a well-positioned log here to rest your feet a while. Carry on until you come to the gateway.
Sheep grazing near Scotney Castle and in the distance is the New House | © National Trust Images/David Sellman Stage 7
From the gateway continue to the next blue post. As you near the post the tops of the oasts should come into view. Continue across the field until you reach the bridge.
Stage 8
After crossing the bridge go through the field to the next gate. Go through the gate and follow the hedge line up the field towards the gate on the road. Before going through the gate, sit on the bench and admire the view of the historic parkland. At the road turn left for approx 110yd (100m), then turn right over the stile into the field.
Stage 9
Follow the hedge line around the field, continuing to the stile at the top of the field.
Stage 10
Walk along the top of the field following the blue posts. At the post marked 24, stop and look at the bomb craters to your right. Carry on walking past the bomb craters and turn left at the fingerpost. Walk down the hill towards the stile in the right-hand corner of the field.
Stage 11
Over the stile turn left and follow the old servant’s entrance. Turn right onto the road, then after approx 55yd (50m) turn right through the old barn.
Stage 12
After going through the old barn you have arrived back at the car park.
End point
Scotney Castle car park, grid ref: TQ688353
Trail map
Scotney parkland trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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