Abbey Woods - Langley

Orchards and worker's huts - Langley


As they say, Christmas comes but once a year and this year it came with snow and other considerations for a pair of walkers. We had a task to do at Boxley church and visitors that needed attention. So on the last Saturday of January we finished the task at Boxley and found lunch at The Plough in Langley. Good sandwiches although there was plenty of excellent food on offer and pleasant beer and friendly service. The Inn was comfortably busy with a family atmosphere that adds pleasure to a bright winter day. The problem with our choice was the traffic noise on the main road that was a guide to location as we wandered the woods more or less casually for a couple of hours.

We passed orchards where itinerant workers are based - only a few in evidence as there is little to do at this time of the year and a few workers can cope. The tracks were muddy having thawed out a a little in the sunshine but the icy grass and the hard frosty surface of the woodland paths soon sorted out the mud and walking became a pleasant and welcome thing.

The intention was to stretch our legs a little - although the Spanish Inquisition might have been the best resource for that sort of thing - and to enjoy the clear blue sky, fresh air and the chatter of birds.

A Christmas Tree?

The paths are a bit unclear but are marked and although we more or less made our own way we discovered a public footpath leading from the Leeds end of Langley which will take you through the woods to Leeds with a diversion if you wish it to Kingsdown.

A view of the woods

The George at Leeds is a great place to stop but on this day the place was crowded out with no chance of getting the car in to park. Nevertheless it would be a good idea to get there earlier - we had been in Boxley until after mid-day - and try their cuisine as well as perhaps walking the tracks to Langley for a pint at the plough before returning.

So, we have started walking and blogging for 2010. Enjoy.