Cowden

Civil Parish in Kent Sevenoaks

England

Cowden

House adjacent Golf Club Credit: Oast House Archive

Cowden is a civil parish located in the county of Kent, in the southeastern part of England. It is situated approximately 6 miles southwest of the town of Edenbridge and covers an area of around 6 square miles. The civil parish is part of the Sevenoaks district.

Cowden is a predominantly rural area with a population of around 800 residents. The village itself is small and picturesque, featuring a number of historic buildings and charming cottages. The parish is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including woodlands, fields, and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The village is centered around St. Mary Magdalene Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 14th century. The church is known for its distinctive architecture and stained glass windows. Other notable landmarks in Cowden include the Cowden railway station, which provides connections to London and other nearby towns, and the Cowden Castle, a 19th-century mansion.

The local economy in Cowden is primarily based on agriculture, with farming and livestock rearing being the main industries. There are also a few small businesses and shops in the village, catering to the needs of the local community.

Overall, Cowden offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike, with its scenic landscapes and rich history.

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Cowden Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.152903/0.091543 or Grid Reference TQ4641. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

House adjacent Golf Club

Oast House Archive

Holtye Lane

This lane leads from Cowden, down the Kitford Bridge over the Kent Water (stream on the Kent / Sussex county boundary), then up towards Hartfield Road.

David Anstiss

House on Holtye Lane

Close to Furnace Lane junction.

David Anstiss

Holtye Common Wood

As seen from a bridleway from Furnace Lane towards the A264 Holtye Road.

David Anstiss

Bridleway in Holtye Common Wood

This track leads from Furnace Lane towards the A264 Holtye Road.

David Anstiss

Bridleway in Sweetwoods Park Golf Course

A bridleway leads from Furnace Lane through Holtye Common wood and then the golf course towards the A264 Holtye Road.

David Anstiss

Bridleway junction in Sweetwoods Park Golf Course

A bridleway from the A264 Holtye Road leads straight on towards Furnace Lane near Kitford Bridge. Another bridleway heads left towards Furnace Lane near Furnace Pond. Also a footpath heads right to Holtye Lane. In the background is Holtye Golf Club.

David Anstiss

Golfer on the bridleway

This golfer is on Holtye Golf Course. Seen from a bridleway from Furnace Lane to Holtye Hill. I was at TQ4539 : Bridleway junction in Sweetwoods Park Golf Course, after coming along TQ4539 : Bridleway in Sweetwoods Park Golf Course. Saw that the golfers went ready so crosses the course. On my way I spotted a ball. The golfer taking the shot was looking in another area and was about to throw a new ball down. Claiming lost ball -1 shot. He was very pleased when I told him about the ball. His golfing partner (in the background) was on the cut grass and played already.

David Anstiss

Furnace Pond

As seen from Furnace lane over the weir on the Kent Water. (Stream on the Kent / Sussex boundary). This large lake belongs to TQ4539 : Cottage near Holtye, Kent/Sussex border. It was a large pond dammed by the lane, to create power.

David Anstiss

Swans on Furnace Pond

Pair of gliding swans on the large pond on Kent Water (stream on the Kent / Sussex Boundary). As seen from Furnace Lane.

David Anstiss

Bench in the rocks on Furnace Lane

This lane leads from Holtye Hill heading towards Dormansland. Why ??

David Anstiss

Cowden New Burial Ground

A triangular plot entered through the apex. It is separated from another similarly shaped graveyard, presumably the old burial ground, by the public footpath on the right. The gates are dated 1989, but look older and are in poor shape. Their lower panels are decorated with relief carvings of pious folk in mediaeval garb. It is hard to see their relevance to a modern graveyard.

Robin Webster

Bridge on footpath SR680

This looks like a standard prefabricated bridge with a bespoke approach boardwalk.

Robin Webster

Curds

This pair of cottages are labelled 'Curds' on the larger scale maps. A rather secluded spot, but footpath SR534 does pass them by. In principle this footpath should head straight across the field towards them from the viewpoint.

Robin Webster

View towards Horseshoe Green

The large barn is part of Horseshoe Green Farm, and seems to be a milking barn, judging by the number of cows in the yard and the loud humming noise radiating from it when passed at about 16:45.

Robin Webster

Mark Beech Tunnel, southern portal

Although the tunnel passes under the village of Markbeech, the railways have chosen a two word version of the name for the tunnel, unless their sign writer got it wrong. It is 1342 yards long - with the same proviso! It appears to be fitted with an antenna relay to enable radio reception within the tunnel. The faint white patch on the brickwork to the left of the portal must have been a sighting aid for a semaphore signal close to the tunnel mouth. The tunnel and line as a whole were built for double track, but it is now single over much of its length. This has enabled a comfortably wide inspection walkway fenced off from the track to be made through the tunnel - the end of the blue fence may be seen.

Robin Webster