Luddesdown - and the Dog

The North Downs offers some surprising places to visit and so back on our trips again we paid a visit to Luddesdown close to Shorne, Cobham and Camer country parks.  This was my second visit so as before we stopped at the Golden Lion before midday and went for a short walk up Cutter's Road from the pub and crossed to Luddesdown Court passing behind the farm which was getting ready for its open afternoon.  We walked, we three with grand sight of the downs all around us, ripening barley and wheat and the sound of cattle protesting being cut off from their calves. 

The path leads past the Court to the church and links up with the Weald Way path from Camer Country Park.  We had a look at the church and then discussed the possibility of walking paths down past the cricket ground and decided to take the road back to the Pub for a drink and lunch.  As expexcted the fare was simple but priced right and good - even the beer was good.  Zoid the dog behaved himself and we felt at home.  As a base for hiking in the area I would say the Golden Lion is a good choice being on the hub of many footpaths and part of circular walks in the area.  For the intrepid walker there is Holly Hill above Birling to visit and on the way pass by Dode Church or alternatively park at Holly Hill and walk down to the pub and back.  The Weald Way passes close by. 

However after lunch we walked up the lane opposite the Lion and took the first path on the left crossing a paddock with a couple of grazing horses and so over the hill back to Luddesdown where we stood overlooking the cricket ground.  We turned right from there following the ridge and followed the path into the privately owned woodlands.  A fresh breeze cooled us down and my Sister who suffers from the heat was revived from her degenerating lethargic state.  Even so it was still hot as the woods were open being coppiced but it was worth it when we again looked down on Luddesdown. 

We resorted to the road following it past the cricket ground and back to the pub.  On the way we had to stand aside for two tractors towing trailers giving visitors rides around the farm.  Children waved.  we waved and so did some of the more enlightened adults. 

Luddesdown farm was set up as an organic farm in 1986 serving the local area with wholesome food.  I expect they also sell goods on the general market too but are not subject to the demands of the greedy supermarkets. (I hope)

Below I have added a couple of poems that reflect my thoughts about the Downs.  They relate to my Sister and I and our casual walking.


The North Downs by James Apps



We walk, you and I, gazing

Where wind sings in the trees

And passing memories brushing

Our thoughts, bend gracefully

With the breeze.

You look for small animals;

I see weary plodding pilgrims

And hear their irreverent tales;

You like my explanation, we both

Enjoy the peace.

Below traffic hums a pilgrimage

Remote from these gentle hills,

You see a rabbit sit up and dodge

Away at our coming; a lark twitters

Above the fields.



These days of green and yellow

Draw our footfalls to echo softly

Where others more dedicated flow;

Yet our exploring feet are not lonely

Treading the past.

There, ahead the path drops, steep

Our feet carry us down to the roadway,

Past curious and run away sheep,

Puzzling at our appearance, worried

Until we pass by.

Pilgrims Way



This roadway where Chaucer trod,

Noble Knights and travellers plod,

Inn keepers where their vittals kept

Once where weary pilgrims slept,

We too stop to take our casual care,

Sample ploughman’s common fare,

Drink coffee brew and local ales

And rest awhiles to tell our tales.