Farthing Common, Postling & Tolsford Hill Walk

 

Check out a view from my seat. A fantastic 5.5 mile circular Pathfinder walk in Kent, North Downs. For a "Green Walk" is was quite demanding with lots of ups and downs. The views were wonderful. No good public transport links apparent I am afraid. 

This was during my "recovery" weekend after the local Council elections on May 5. 

I will post more pictures on Facebook and link. 

Relaxing Weekend next to Dungeness

 

After election day (Thursday), the "count" (Friday) and my Councillor surgery (Saturday morning) Gill and I went off for a last minute weekend break. We had not been to this part of the Kent coast before and did not quite realise how close it was to the Nuclear power stations (see picture) but had a marvellous and relaxing recovery weekend. 

Check out Facebook for more pictures of Dungeness and later walks on the North Downs and Kent Weald. 

View from my seat: Hollingbourne & Thurnham Pathfinder Walk

 

Gill and I went on this amazing walk today in the North Downs. Hollingbourne is about 1 hour drive from Newham (also accessible by train). It is a 8 mile circularly walk from the "Kent Walks" Pathfinder Guide. 

I would get the latest version of this guide since the right of way has been changed a little. Better still, subscribe to the online Ordnance Survey Map service  which is a little annoying at times, but tells you where you are in real time and not were you think you are. 

The first half of the walk is really easy, along level quiet country roads and paths. There was some low level road noise from the M20 but it would have been hypocritical of me to complain. Apart from the odd car and cyclist we did not see a soul on the first part of the walk. 

There was however a fairly steep climb up to the North Downs Way, where there was more walkers (but not that many). 

The views from the top of the North Downs were simply magnificent. The cold blue skies and sunshine helped but this was the best walk I have been on for ages. There are lots of ups and downs, and you definitely need decent footwear and warm clothing. 

We had to get back home for a Tesco delivery so did not stop off for a drink at the "Dirty Habit" but it looked like a great pub with a fantastic menu. 

Check out further photos on Facebook

Knockholt Pound & Chevening House walk

Off message but went on lovely 5 mile circular walk last Sunday with Gill in North Downs, Kent. Great views marred a bit by road noise from M25 for part of the route. Not a tough walk at all for such marvellous prospectives.  

Check out the free website (donations welcome) https://kentwalksnearlondon.com/walk-24-knockholt-pound-chevening-circular-5-miles/

It is around 50 minutes by car from Newham. There is railway station about 2 miles away so you could extend walk if using public transport. 

I think I saw a Battle of Britain Flight Spitfire flying overhead but not sure and I was too slow to take a proper photo.  

Chevening House, dominates the skyline for much of this walk and is the marvellous "grace and favour" home for the current Foreign Secretary. I can think of better uses. Just saying...

The village pub, Three Horseshoes, was shut but stopped off at nearby village pub, The Bulls Head, for a beer, which was very nice and the food looked excellent.