Boxley - a pleasant place in winter

The prime objective of the day was to place a Christmas tribute on our parent's grave and so, with some thought to the weather, we dressed accordingly and drove down to Boxley church. The day turned out to be a bonus for the time of the year; sunny with a little cloud, warm for the time of year and above all fairly dry. We laid the basket of cuttings with the Christmas decorations, cleaned the stone and took pleasure in making that honor for our parents. I am sure that in both our minds were the Christmasses past when we were children and Mum and Dad would make the effort to make it special for us with decorations, a tree, gifts under and the Christmas stocking filled with small goodies. We did our little bit - not a duty but a pleasure of memories and family love - soppy but true and decided to visit the Kings Arms pub and have a drink and lunch.

Of recent months the place has been a dead area, unwelcoming, indifferent and not the sort of place to visit but this day, 20th December, was different. We were welcomed and there was a lively trade with people sitting happily chatting and a modest but well organized menu. We chose sandwiches and they were well presented, quickly served and tasty. We felt like valued customers and not an imposition on the staff. Right: plug over, I can recommend popping in for some tucker.

However, we decided to take a walk along the path from the church and head on up the hill to a lower path leading to the area of woodland known as The Larches. Instead we employed our usual sat-nav and strolled on past the path and ended up on the North Downs Way. Oh well. We discussed the possibility of whether or not the rumors of large pussycats loose in the woods were true and hoped that the wild boars had not migrated that far up the hills. We decided that the pussycats (Leopards) might be scared of two fat English people and we continued our somewhat muddy walk. The climb up the hill was hard for two middle-aged and overdressed people but worth it for the views across the valley, and for the views across the top of the downs. Bleak this time of the year but we were mollified by the presence of seagulls and other birds feeding on the fields. On the way up we noted a cut tree stump that was interestingly deteriorating and that, along with the horses in the paddock was a highlight of the day. Sad, but then we like sad.

We walked along the top of the downs to meet up with the bridle-way that ends by the quarry works at Detling and the start of the Larches walks. We elected to walk the Pilgrims way and were rewarded by the views and the pleasantly undulating nature of the road. In winter the North Downs are attractive in a bleak way as the bare decidious trees make way for the dark green Yews. But even so there is much to be seen as you walk the paths as plants you might not notice, ivy, holly and such show themselves off.

The path ( on the right) was steep and although this is winter there is still much greenery. Given more daylight we might have walked a long way but this three and half mile afternoon stroll was enough and gave us the incentive to explore further the next year.

But I do suggest you enjoy the hospitality of the Kings Arms.