Westbere lakes - Canterbury

It was a dull day and rain had fallen on the island most of the morning but I was restless and needed a walk. I owe this one to Lorna Jenner and her book Waterside Walks In Kent and her easy to follow instructions. So it was a stop for a cup of coffee at The Olde Yew Tree pub in Westbere - too late for lunch and not in need of a pint so the coffee and the friendliness went down well. I have been there before and as far as I can recollect the food was worth a bite or two. The intention was to walk to Fordwich and back past the lakes and the river with a short diversion to Fordwich itself.

The walk starts from the pub car park turning right and taking the road down to the railway past some new houses; very attractive places too and down to the railway line. Cross the line avoiding the choo-choos and follow the pathway. Unless you are a prize plonker there is no chance of getting lost and as you follow the Great Stour river you will see the spire of Fordwich church inn the distance.

The river is lined with willows and the banks are covered in plant life including polished bullrushes. Darting in and out of the bushes that hang close to the water are moorhens who call warnings to each other as you approach.

The water is clear and in the occasional sunshine mirroed the trees on the banks. Even on this dull cloudy day the river was impressive and I wished I hade explored it before the August and September rain set in.

Follow the path until you reach the road and the bridge. You dodge the cars across the second bridge into Fordwich and come upon the George and Dragon pub which I recommend as a place to call in. It has a large car park and will do meals and beer so maybe a stop there first and call in for lunch. Take a walk up the river from Fordwich toward Canterbury perhaps and then after lunch take a stroll in the reverse direction to my walk. If the Yew Tree is open have a drink and wander back past the lakes.

The town hall at Fordwich is open to visitors between 10 and 4 each day. It is close by the river and Fordwich's marina and the pub opposite - too up-market for me.

Anyway, I had a look around Fordwich and of course realised that it was a town with a town hall and some narrow roads lined by old buildings. It was once a major town and so I heard was also connected with smuggling. Naughty people.

From the town hall look up river to the small bridge - the one you have to dodge the cars to cross and enjoy a tranquil sight. It would be pleasant to travel the Stour by small boat. Maybe I could persuade two friends and borrow a dog?

From Fordwich walk along the main road - you turn right from the path at the bridge and opposite the Fordwich Garage there is a pathway which leads across sports fields - you use the stile beside the miniture railway and cross to where there is a crossing of the proper railway. You follow the path until you get to Westbere; the footpath is obvious, into Westbere and back to the pub. There are some delightful homes in the village including Ashby Cottage pictured and the church of All Saints with its wildlife friendly cemetary.

As an afternoon stroll it was excellent and left me with a desire to investigate the Stour more and in contrast to walking the hills of the Pilgrims Way it was a pleasant change. I enjoy walking the hills.