The weather forecast had not been encouraging and there were just nine  of us who got off the train at a misty Otford. We made our way through this attractive town, with its pond and assortment of historic buildings. Continuing through woods and farmland, we passed Filston hall before a stiff climb took us up to Meenfield Wood. Pausing to admire the view below, we could see Stuart and Gillian who, despite catching a later train, were rapidly catching us up. Our group, now eleven, negotiated the steep descent to the picturesque village of Shoreham and an early lunch at the excellent Ye Old George Inn. Stepping outside to don our weatherproofs, we were rewarded with the sight of the sun finally breaking through. Our afternoon walk took us uphill again, past Beecham wood and on to  Lullingstone Castle. We stopped at the visitor centre for tea, sitting outside and trying to convince ourselves that spring is on the way.

An incident free journey back to London ended with, for those who went to Victoria,  the fine site of  a steam hauled train with Pullman carriages. For the many steam enthusiasts among you, the  locomotive was the Tornado, a modern replica of a LNER 1948 design.

Many thanks to Ken for planning and leading a most enjoyable day.