Twelve walkers gathered at Hever station where minutes before the leader had managed to drop his map on the railway line. Siew Kee gallantly threw herself onto the tracks to rescue said map (I’m sure that’s not in line with our H&S policy – Editor!) and somehow Siew Tin and leader managed to pull her back up onto the platform! The first section of the walk was very wet and the heavens opened several times before leaving us with a relatively dry day. We passed the picturesque Christmas Mill pond and headed up a gradual slope to Dry Hill, the site of a former iron age fort. The descent provided some nice views of the North Downs. Another slight ascent took us to the picnic spot under some oak trees and between two large ponds.
We then headed for The Fountain pub passing Waystrode Manor, a timbered Tudor manor, which provided a great photo opportunity. Suitably refreshed we headed towards Markbeech and onto Hever station through some very muddy and overgrown footpaths. The leader armed with his trusty secateurs managed to cut many thorny brambles back, but did not hear Geoffrey screams when he was attached by one particular bush. Sorry Geoffrey!
Disappointingly only two ramblers, Jennifer and Sarah, turned up for the walk on what proved to be a very nice day, defying the BBC weather forecast of storm and tempest. We proceeded alongside the River Darent stopping at Castle Farm for some lavender ice cream. We passed lavender coloured fields and Lullingstone Castle, heading into farmland and woodland and at times close to a golf course.
We twice passed colourful flower meadows giving me the chance to pick a few yellow rattle seed pods for my own tiny back garden meadow. On the walkover the second meadow was covered in Pyramid Orchids, which were still present in some numbers on this walk.
The walk served as a recce for a walk Jennifer was going to lead for another group and between the two of us we didn’t get lost once! The day ended with drinks at the Kings Arms.
After being banged up & restricted for so long, 14 and a half miles might seem a bit of a challenge but on such a perfect day and in such a beautiful place it could also seem not long enough. Just for a change, the train to Lewes ran on time with no problems along the way, which is unusual at the moment and an auspicious start.
We walked through a very nice, quiet part of Lewes & up one of those lovely old chalk paths onto the Downs. The sea is easily visible from up there and the wonderful spread of the South Downs with natural terracing near the bottom. After a good chunk on the South Downs Way, we went down into the valley for a swift half at the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell. One of our number peeled off to get a bus back to Lewes and the rest of us walked a little further to have lunch by the ancient church at Southease – mentioned in the Domesday Book.
A walk along the Grand Union Canal starting from Val’s in West Drayton. It was one of the hottest days of the year, however we were fortunate to be rewarded by plenty of shade from trees planted along the canal. This part of the Grand Union Canal is quite varied, we passed Packet Boat Marina (from which Clive and I later hired a narrowboat with the family!). It is situated on the Slough Arm of the canal and near to the Little Britain Lake following the London Loop signs. At our half way mark we had lunch at the General Elliot pub situated by the side of the canal. In the afternoon we walked a short distance further towards Uxbridge and Denham before reaching a consensus that it was just too hot to venture further. We retraced our steps to enjoy tea and cake on the patio of Val’s house before getting a taxi back to West Drayton Station. Thank you Val for arranging a lovely walk and tea at your house. Hilary
The weather stayed dry for 18 Polyramblers during our evening walk in Belgravia, a 200 acres area owned by the Grosvenor family since 1677. At that time, it was known at the Five Fields – a mix of swamp, pasture, orchards, a few scattered houses and much of it the haunt of highwaymen. How things have changed! It is now one of the most fashionable and desirable residential areas of central London and the largest and best-preserved urban Regency estate. After leaving the bustle of Sloane Square, we were soon in quiet Bourne Street where we had a sneaky look at the church of St Mary. We passed the first of seven small hidden pubs on our route, all known to Danny of course, except for the last one. Continue reading Evening walk in Belgravia – 27 July→
The Polytechnic Rambling Club – Walking with friends
