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Edenbridge
is a small rural market town in west Kent, close to the Surrey border,
and located at the bridging point of the River Eden which flows
eastwards until it joins the River Medway at Penshurst. It is the
gateway to the Eden Valley, a landscape which can be broadly split
into three areas. 
The chalk grassland of the Kent Downs in the north forms a ridge
running west to east across Surrey and Kent, featuring old orchards,
ancient hedgerows and woodlands.
Dropping down into the plain, the River Eden starts in Surrey and
then meanders along the valley, a predominantly low lying region
dominated by heavy clay soils, but with thin bands of limestone,
beds of sandstone and sandy head deposits. It is gently undulating
with occasional steep-sided stream valleys, ridges and plateaux.
Small towns and villages are scattered amongst a patchwork of woodland,
permanent grassland, hedgerows and wetlands on the heavy clay soils.
The land use is predominantly agricultural.
Rising up again, south of Penshurst, is the High Weald, dominated
by sandstone and clays, forming a landscape of high forested ridges
and valleys. The area boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland
in the country and is, essentially, still a medieval landscape.
Intermingled with the woods is a close patchwork of small fields,
hedges and sunken lanes. Follow a sunken lane and you will be treading
in the steps of Saxon drovers and their pigs. It also includes the
Ashdown Forest, one of the most important and extensive areas of
heath land in south eastern England.
Edenbridge is situated on the B2026, south of the M25 (Junction
6). From the A25 at Oxted, follow the B269 and then the B2026. The
larger towns of Oxted, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and
East Grinstead can be easily reached, and there are good road links
into the rest of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
The town is served by two railway lines - Edenbridge Town station
is on the London to Uckfield line, whilst Edenbridge station (about
1 mile to the north of the town centre) is on the Redhill to Tonbridge
line. Local bus services link the town with several nearby villages
and Tunbridge Wells.
Despite being only 25 miles from London, the Eden Valley is a tranquil
gem in the English countryside and has many picturesque towns and
villages which offer something for everyone. Most have historic
churches, attractions, fascinating history, beautiful rural walks
nearby, charming country pubs and excellent quality restaurants.
They also have their own colourful and exciting events throughout
the year.
Walking is a great way to experience the countryside and, with many
miles of footpaths, there is something for walkers of all abilities.
The Eden Valley is just as good for short walks and gentle strolls
as it is for long-distance walking. A selection of 10 leaflets is
available from the Town Council’s Visitor Information Point
- three of them (Walks 8, 9, 10) cover the majority of the Eden
Valley Walk from its start at Cernes Farm, passing through Edenbridge,
Hever, Chiddingstone, Penshurst and finishing at Leigh. Two others
(Walks 6, 7) were created to celebrate the centenary of the Town
Council’s Footpaths Committee in 2004, and they can be walked
separately or combined to make a complete parish boundary walk.
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