Are We Not Supposed to See the Sea?

Bandstand - Alexandra Park

We went to Hastings, not like Harold and William in 1066, to have a fight but on a whim to have a wander obeying a  recent urge to "do" the seaside towns.  Having to avoid the M20 crossing at Maidstone we took the long way around to get to Hastings via the M2, Boxley, Wateringbury and the A21.  It was a pleasant drive and we anticipated a walk with the dog Zoid around the seaside town.  We had a bag of cash between us ready to feed the greedy meters and somewhat anticipated breezy ozone, the smell of fish and chips, candy-floss and all the sights of the seaside; we were even prepared for flocks of hungry seagulls.

Well, we got the seagulls and the smell of fish and chips but instead of wandering the seafront and the town we stopped at Alexandra Park on our way in to the seafront.  We found a free parking spot, a bonus, the coins could be spent on coffee instead, and with the dog on the lead we began to explore.

Typical Seaside Houses

Cold for the time of year but mostly sunny with the promise of showers we took to the pathways.  First stop was the toilets and on the way we located the cafe and admired the bandstand, but was most impressive after our call of nature was the walk in the well laid our park with its lakes and well laid out beds, the stream and bridges and having the pleasure of seeing the typical seaside town buildings bordering the park.  The colorful and ornate facades, neat gardens and balconies with the palms and large trees growing give the place an exotic atmosphere that smacks of holidays and days out with the bucket and spade.

Alexandra Park is quite extensive housing two reservoirs, one on the main park area and the other on the southwestern arm with an extension beyond the main reservoir to Old Roar Ghylls, the nature reserve  where ferns and water abound and apart from the occasional reminder from traffic noise that you are in a large town you could imagine yourself in the hills.

Squirrel playing the crowd

Walking was casual and we stopped to watch the birds and animals including cheeky Squirrels cadging for food, seagulls that were content to leave their exits to the last moment.  We noted that the pigeons have it sussed - take food from the fingers and you get more; likewise the Squirrels seemed to pop out of the trees exuding cuteness in the expectation of being given a morsel or two.   Their success rate was extremely high.

There was rain.  We sat at a table outside the cafe eating cheese sticks and macaroons with a cup of coffee each and the dog quietly begging underneath and  for a while it poured.  We had some shelter and a rain coats to put on.   However, we finished coffee, waited for the rain to ease and went back to the car to get a rain cover for Zoid and for sister to put her raincoat on.

Rose Gardens

From there we walked to the rose gardens and the Peace Garden, wandered past the miniature railway noting that it appeared to have a tunnel for the adults to scream in as it passes through.  Beyond that a squirrel popped out out, did its "ain't I cute" act and gained a treat from us.  Wander then around the reservoir, see the swans and in a pond further up see ducklings.  From there the Ghylls begin and this is where the rain made it presence felt having given the woods and banks a freshener there was sunlight and water and sparkling ferns.  The park is integrated into the town and now and then one pops out onto a street and then finds a way back into the woods.

We walked back along the streets to try and get a glimpse of the sea but the park is a little too far back in the town for that so we decided that another trip on another day would be a good idea.  This time we will take the bucket and spade.

A short walk around Hever

The Henry VII at Hever

We took a stroll around the area rather than the castle and the village. The day was cloudy and cool but Zoid the dog needed a walk and when I arrived he was eager to get going. The aim was to have  lunch, a pleasant, enjoyable lunch to mark my birthday so the priority was a dog friendly pub with good food.  We also wanted to to go for a walk without lots of crowds or to encroach on a beach where Zoid would be unwelcome (by the local authoroites). This England of health and safety, no dogs allowed, rules and regulations with an ever increasing burden of political correctness and box ticking paperwork.





  
This last is triggered by the demise of a local, popular event - the Queenborough Pirates event with new restrictions on walking the plank and the unfortunate fact that the Police are no longer allowed to thump Oiks who spoil fun events and the postponement of the Music on the Green at Bearsted near Maidstone due to excessive demands of health and safety rules and tight event compliance.  Boring!

Gripe over.  We arrived at Hever after a pleasant drive from Borough Green through to Tonbridge and Liegh and parked in the Henry VII car park.  After piddling the dog and walking him around a for a while we went inside for lunch.  Dog welcome and staff pleasant.  My pint of Early Bird was excellent and we ordered lunch.  Sister had a baguette with her favorite smoked salmon filling and I settled for the steak and kidney pud. Loverly!  Nice price too.

Carriage at Hever Station

The Henry VII is worth the stop and if the weather had been nicer a meal in the garden with a magnificent view would have been even better.

The walk we did was from the Primary School, there is a path leading to a road where you turn left and follow another footpath into and along a paddock, the entrance is gated.  We made the mistake of not going far enough and crossed the field to another path which brought us back onto the road again further down.  However, we went past some houses and a small row of cottages to turn left, and a about a hundred metres further on we turned into the road leading to Hever railway station.  Worth a visit this for the views over the valley.  The station is the offices of  a company with the initials DPL who are keeping the building in excellent condition; it is a pity there are no flowers or gardens added (Mr Beeching of the 1960's would be pleased at the cuts).  Most peculiar was the old First Class carriage set up in the car park with steps and a platform leading up to it - what is this used for?

Pretty lake 

We crossed the rail bridge and walked the path on the other side having noted on the way up a path leading to Hever which we wanted to take.  This path up from the station joined the Edenway path that wanders around the river Eden and on to Penshurst.  The treat on the way to the road we could see from the station was the cottage with the beautiful fenced garden and formal rose garden and the walkway in the trees  leading to a meadowland wild flower patch buffered by a rough, natural area just right for wildlife close to the road.

We took the path and at the first stile we stopped - two reasons - getting the dog over or under it, solved by a neat bit of biscuit bribery, and because facing us was a lake and a gardens that appeared to be part of an estate.  Rabbits and  a flash of water lilies and the meandering building that topped the hill above stopped us in our tracks to admire it and enjoy the view.

Hever Church with dog and Sister

We discovered later that the lake belonged to the property alongside the pathway, put there for trout fishing , the lake now filled with carp.  Zoid was barked at by the property owner's Labrador.

We followed the path to the lane and turned right walking past the house we had seen from the lake which turned out to be Hever Grange and headed for the Greyhound Pub approximately 600metres from the junction below the grange.  We saw a nice neat row of houses on our left and failed to recognise that we had passed them earlier; realised it and carried on past the end of the station road to the Greyhound.  there is a path there which led back to our starting point - the school alongside the pub. You reach a junction of pathways and take the lefthand one.

A view across to the Castle entrance from the churchyard

Just to say we had seen it we took a stroll around the church and explored the footpath beyond turning back when we saw it would take us a fair way past the castle grounds on a long loop back to the village. Besides, after a lunch and it being a casual walk we decided that we had done enough.  There is always more to see but later we will return and have a wander around the castle.

What the Dickens! Rochester & Castle

Eastgate House

On a day that began warm, a Saturday, and not taking a stroll elsewhere with my walking companions I decided a trip to Rochester Castle was a good idea. I used the park and ride at the top of City Way near Horsted to park the car and take the free bus into Chatham and Rochester.  As a certain ancient comedian and entertainer used to say "A good idea Son" and so it proved to be.  From the bust stop I walked casually into the pedestrianised high street, an extension or part of Watling Street as far as the art shop, Frances Iles, where I examined the goods - on the way back I purchased some water color paper.

But first, the Roman Wall and Eastgate.

The wall faces on to a car park and I could imagine horses instead of cars, and citizens, peasants and slaves looked upon by soldiers milling around shifting goods instead of shoppers forking out for parking and perhaps there for some purpose similar to mine, a little shopping and some sight seeing. And even in the increasing cloud there was still plenty to see.  I imagined the Romans doing their bit, using the river and the land around living in a busy town and controlling the crossing perhaps with a wooden bridge spanning the Medway.  As I passed by the wall, noting a man getting ready with a brass instrument to busk, was aware of the later occupation by the Normans - they stuck a castle on top of a hill to make their point - and how much their influence had shaped the city.

I can see you!

Beyond the wall at Eastgate House there are gardens and the place where Dickens' Chalet now sits, a rather incongruous but historic addition.  It backs on to the old Alms houses where six men of the parish were able to lodge.  In recent years the high street carries mostly pedestrian traffic and the motor traffic is redirected around the centre and along a wide road, nicely out of the way until you reach the bridge and apart from the odd glimpse along side streets one is not aware of it.

We have to mention Dickens and his influence on Rochester because there are reminders of his presence in the city and in Chatham. He lived at Gads Hill in Higham where he wrote some of his works and of course Rochester was the setting for Satis House (named as the place opposite The Vines) and the hub of Pip's adventures in Great Expectations. The annual Dickens Festival is well attended involving residents and enthusiasts from Kent and attracting many visitors.

But dominating the city is the Norman castle and the Cathedral both worth a visit.  On this day I chose the castle and although the sky clouded over and became quite cold I took body and camera to the grounds and using my English Heritage card I entered and took the tour.  With the aid of  a handset (hire price £1) I wandered around from the portcullis entrance, down to

the cess-pit and up onto the battlements.  Terrific views and good healthy leg exercise.  I enjoyed the experience even with the wind whistling around my nether regions on the river side.


To look at the solid walls and the height of the keep one would agree that with having to catapult rocks at the walls and try to scale the place with ladders to deal to the enemy with swords and knives against pots of boiling oil, heavy missiles and arrows an army would give up.  The silly buggers attacked.  Mind you, they were sneaky.  Having thrashed the locals and with a large enough army it was a matter of sitting tight for a while and starving the garrison out.  One successful ploy was to burrow under a tower, cook a load of pigs and burn the pig fat and timber in the mine unde

Rochester Cathedral

r the foundations and watch the tower collapse in on itself.  Result: the starving garrison driven mad by the smell of cooking pork, having eaten their horses, and not being invited to the feast suddenly had to fight some well fed, if greasy soldiers.  They lost.

However, on the ecclesiastical side I learned that the castle was initially built for a Bishop whose subsequent replacements turned up in the city instead and occupied buildings along with the church and then the cathedral.  Good idea. House are much warmer than castles and although they tend to get torched in a punch up are much easier to surrender from.

Rochester Castle

I didn't go inside the cathedral being content to walk around the gardens and was rewarded by some roses and ancient walls covered in flowers and plants and, letting my feet carry me past Kings College I strolled into The Vines gardens and saw Satis House.  On the way a squirrel popped up onto a wall and sat briefly before scuttling off.  I liked that.

An Ugly Bugger of a Building

An Ugly Bugger of a Building

"An ugly bugger of a building"(UBB) is what my sister said when she saw the SAGA headquarters perched on top Ebrook Park in Sandgate suggesting the building was more suited to housing a power station than the offices of a travel and insurance company for the over fifties.  But this was a reaction to the genteel nature of the older buildings surrounding the park and the ones you don't see from the road that face the sea.  The auditorium building is better to look at reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House, a relief from the steel grey monolithic building that dominates the skyline.  That is the objection.  It is an architect's dream of verticality with the atrium taking space that could have been used to reduce the height and maybe have stepped it down with gardens on the balcony rooftops, trees instead of lifts and stairs.

However, we came, we saw, we mocked.

The intention was to get away from the rain on the hills and head for the seaside and never having stopped in Sandgate before we decided to go there, park and wander around the township.  We walked along the waterfront to Folkstone and stopped off at the Mermaid Cafe for coffee.  From there we wandered up into the gardens and discovered the children's adventure and play area which made us jealous of the children.  Don't you just want to climb on the pirate ship?

There was much more of course.  The zig-zag pathway beckoned but we left that to walk along further to find a three men practicing agile athletic movements - somersaulting over a barbecue table was one such - handstands under control and one man who leapt onto the graduated posts set there for that purpose and did a back flip from the tallest.  Amazing.  I was impressed but Zoid the dog couldn't have cared less, there was food around to steal and a drink of water to be had.

Apartments - Folkstone

Folkstone, the Leas and the waterfront gardens, were a treat for the eye, bulb flowers in abundance, neatly planted beds interspersed with meadow-land areas, bridges with wooden rails spanning pathways in arcs  and views of the sea all added to the pleasure of the visit.  All this before we saw the full impact of the UBB.  The waterfront where once the show grounds were was clear and beginning to look as if somebody cared and the magnificent arc of tenements that once were falling apart glistened in the May sunshine.

View point: that once these buildings should have been used to house asylum seekers (and others) and allowed to deteriorate - the asylum seekers deserved better treatment anyway - was criminal in its concept.  It appears that Folkstone is at last getting its just desserts, and that is a sensible policy on dispersion for asylum seekers and a regeneration that might make the place attractive to visitors.

Amazing Grace

We liked what we saw and will make another visit.  There is a matter of scoffing shellfish (I can get rather selfish about eating shellfish) When it comes to eating cockles, mussels and shrimps, this partly portly bloke is a guts.

Walking from Sandgate to Folkstone is pleasant and walking back over the top you you can pass the Grand Hotel which is a magnificent building and appreciate quality.  We did not visit the Grand Pavilion but did appreciate the building from below.  The attraction was the zig-zag pathway.  At the top there is a bandstand, bereft this day of a band but compensated by a trio singing a version of Amazing Grace accompanied by music from their own acoustic instruments.  It was a wistful yet sincere performance.

We had left behind us the wonderful views of the new sea wall works and the breakwater groynes as well as the tasteful sand pit on the beach for the children yet wherever we went along the cliff tops we were always aware of the sea.  This day it was hazy but tranquil; the heat enough to drive Sister into the shade, the dog to demand water and me to feel as if winter was a myth.

The intention was to explore Sandgate but it looks as if we will have to visit the place again.  We walked down from the cliffs into the township admiring the ragstone buildings and the use of sandstone on some, liking the wooden clad houses and the general seaside look of the place.  We added more money to the council coffers and paid for another hour of parking after stopping off at a cafe for a pot of tea and a bun.  They let us take the dog out the back and have the tea there in the shade - Sister and Dog by this time were melting - and I felt like a bod out of one of the great artist's stories, in a cafe with bicycles around and people doing unrelated business as we sat and chatted.

View down on the Sandpit

All in all a great experience.

But back to the ugly bugger of a building; we had added the hour because we wanted to walk a round the town a little and explore the gardens.  We did not know that the building we saw was the SAGA building because we did not see the stainless steel sign at the entrance.  It was a custard pie effect when we realised that we were facing poor taste, the old custard pie routines become poor taste, but I like custard pies, I did not like the building.

Folkstone Gardens

The park was nice, a bit neat but then probably it has been saved from further encroachment by the Saga organisation, so all power to them, but I wish the building wasn't so damned intrusive.

Note that the stream running the length of the park was dry.  Not a good sign.

Waddling around Wadhurst

The Greyhound Pub

Just over the border of Kent into West Sussex is the village of Wadhurst, a place I do not remember passing through although I must have done at one time.  The change from Kent to Sussex was apparent when not so much by the county sign as the change in building style and the countryside becoming more wooded, the hedgerows less battered by indiscriminate slashing and the road signposts.  Sussex likes black and white finger posts, a different style of footpath sign and in general seems to be a little more spruce.  We like it.

With the borrowed dog asleep in the back of the car we drifted through Wadhurst to look for what we thought might be a more interesting place but we turned around instead and went back to park in the village. Note the car park was free.  Kent charge like a wou


nded bull yet here we were with plenty of room and a chance to stay all day.  Bonus, a good pub on the corner that welcomed the dog.  Good food and Harvey's ale too.  I think it was called The Greyhound but it was the one opposite Blacksmith's Lane.

Cook's Sign

We went for a walk around the village for a couple of hours and discovered a peculiar trait with the tall chimney stacks - they curved!  In fact the place was a veritable forest of chimney stacks,  most attractive and some rather odd but worth a look. Excellent brickwork and typical of what we have seen in Sussex.

The spired church dominates the village acting as a focal point for the walker and although the trip was to Wadhurst there is Durgates and Sparrows Green to take into account as worth exploring.  One attractive sight is the sign above the local Game and Butcher's shop.  Close by is Wadhurst Castle where it appears that weddings and wedding receptions are carried out as we discovered upon meeting a well dressed and groomed couple on their way just such an event.

On the way to Bewl Water

Lunch of sandwiches over we set off with dog to explore the approach to the village Ticehurst end and it was there we saw the ornate chimneys.  We also discovered from a friendly resident that we could get to the Bewl Water reservoir by walking along Blacksmiths Lane - so we did.

Mostly Wadhurst is on a hill so you will not only walk down roads and pathways but you will also have to walk back up them but the effort is worth it for the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside especially in Spring.  The path led through a farm that gave the appearance of being well managed with healthy looking animals, flourishing hop crops and tidy yards with a well cared for garden. A treat.

Shops in Wadhurst

The walk down to Bewl Water was delightful and as a bonus when we arrived within the boundaries we saw the woodland floor covered in bluebells.  We walked down as far as Cousley Wood and returned to Wadhurst  stopping beside the water for a rest and a snack watching a fisherman catch a fish.


The Spring weather this year is wonderful and as usual with bright sunshine and fresh growth everything seems to be pristine, sparkling clean and wonderfully alive.  It is a time for young animals to discover the world and for flowers to burst forth, meadows to show their stuff and for us to get off our butts and enjoy it.

Lambs and mother

As semi-intrepid walkers we see the countryside in all its moods and we can be lifted by the beauty of new growth that England can offer.  Mush, but meaningful mush.  It means that we do not want to miss out so our casual walking (all right hardly intrepid) must last as long as we need it.

Wadhurst Chimney Stack

I mentioned chimneys in Wadhurst.  The complex brickwork and the shapes would have pleased our bricklayer father who could no doubt have told us much about how it was done and what sort of work it was.  I have no doubt also that it would have been very interesting but I realise that unless you see them you have no idea what they can be like.

Bent Stack

Also look for the curved stacks throughout the village and the odd double round brick stack on one of the buildings.  If you are curious, go visit the place and enjoy lunch at the Greyhound and a walk down to Bewl Water and of course a stroll around the village.

Emmetts Gardens - hot stuff and a thunderstorm

The rockery 

Dogless, Sister and I chose to go to Emmetts gardens, one of the National  Trust's babies and discovered we can have the dog on a lead. Joy! However the day was not spoiled because when we arrived, along with many other visitors, old people, families and camera wielding blokes the  gardens were in full  bloom, raring to show off their beauty. Is it not amusing (I also include myself in this) how men seem to want to the best and most ostentatious gadgets?  The women and general tourist visitors were content with their phone cameras and hand held digitals but we macho blokes with our semi-professional gear had to have a variety of cameras with lenses of all types and take photos using tripods or poles and look serious whilst doing it. Fun, we haven't a clue really. 

Bluebells

AFountain in the formal garden 

There was an Easter trail for the children to follow and it was great to see parents encouraging their offspring to get involved.   The day was hot and building up for a thunderstorm - the atmosphere was electric - and so it proved when  the rain came down at about five.

Visitor snoozing

Emmetts is close to Ide Hill which can be seen from the gardens and not far from Toys Hill  - The Cock Inn and The Fox and Hounds respectively both giving good food, good beer and friendly service.  The Fox and Hounds is dog friendly.

We settled for a sandwich at the NT snack bar.

Tulips

But the bluebells.  You have to see the bluebells.  April and May are the times of the year when the tender, soft and fresh foliage and flowers appear.  The magic months that precede June and July and roses.  Great stuff and hopefully with rain now and then to keep things growing we will have a good Summer.

We walked the pathways, enjoyed the beauty and located ourselves between Toys Hill and Ide Hill.

A quick look at the Isle of Grain

Cherry Blossom at Grain

My artist friend, Bob Collins and myself, collected our paintings from the Historic Dockyard Exhibition on this bright Spring day - April 2nd - and out of curiosity instead of turning right to go back home to Sheppey we turned left and wandered into Grain.  From Sheerness and many points on the Isle of Sheppey the huge chimney tower of the power station dominates the skyline.  It is ugly, the sight of the gantries on the other power station and such is also ugly giving the impression that there is nothing but silos, tanks and pipes across the Medway estuary.  So, the curiosity of two ageing painters got the better of simply wandering home, dropping into a local pub and shooting the breeze and we wandered to the end of Grain.

Tanks - Grain

Spring means daffodils, tulips,hyacinths, cherry blossom, blackthorn blossom, lambs, fresh green buds, primroses and bluebells and of course better weather.  This day was sunny and warm; so much so that we discarded some clothing in favour of being cooled by the breeze.

The odd thing about being between two rivers, the Medway and the Thames is that the air is fresh although we have chosen the rivers as a ports and places where we set power stations, oil refineries and massive freight shifting docks.  Everywhere there is evidence of this industrial exploitation yet we found an abundance of daffodils on the roadsides, neat and well cared for gardens, a clean, fresh looking farmland and some attractive buildings in pretty rural settings.

St Mary at Hoo

We paid a visit to Grain Village and looked at the church, walked to the reserve at the end of the island and gazed across the estuary at Southend and discovered a view of Sheerness from the outside, from the water without a boat.

Naturally we found a pub choosing The Pilot at Allhallows to have a drink and a meal.  I cannot say the pub was good because it wasn't but at least the food was good and we were entertained by a drunken bum who wanted to play Johnny Cash records - go for it man!  I guess you have to like caravan sites and chalet's to relax in to enjoy Allhallows, or maybe use the place as a base to walk the area.  Nearby attractions are the soft beaches and the RSPB reserve at Cliffe, Upnor Castle and I suppose a quiet exploration of the villages.

View across the Thames

We left Allhallows and drove to Saint Mary at Hoo which proved to be a pleasant place, quiet and peaceful  with some marvellous walking and views across the Thames.  Pleasant walking, very pretty hamlet and as Bob said, a place where paintings suddenly present themselves and us without a pad or pencil between us on the day.

A deal to Sea at Deal

Narrow street in Dael

The gift of a bright sunny day was too much to ignore so with dog in tow we took a trip to Deal on the Kent coast.  With memories of visiting the Marine Barracks in the line of duty as a spotty apprentice with the Ministry of Buildings and Works ( Formally assigned to the Navy Works Department) the place called for a another visit; this time at leisure. Apart from a visit a few years back to Walmer, so close to Deal as to be part of it, we had not made a trip there to explore.  The surprise was instead of the expected dull houses and rather scruffy streets we had expected the town is clean, tidy, and shows the pride the residents have in their homes.

But there is more than that.  The seafront is interesting with buildings, many of them B&B and pubs that are welcoming and lively, for us it was a day of wandering and nibbling seafood and chips, some dating back early - one claiming to be a Tudor House - with narrow streets leading off from the beachfront road to High Street and crossing Middle Street.  We were impressed with the pedestrian area, the shops, the lamps and the sense of history that pervades the town of Deal.

Camelia's in a garden close to the town centre

We walked past the castle and stopped at a cafe just past the lifeboat station - a lifeboatman and a police officer were chatting there - I gave a donation to the service and we were impressed by the readiness of the team and the organisation of the equipment.

Common to all seaside towns are the seagulls and were given a display of flying by Herring Gulls that hovered or soared and glided majestically above the buildings perching on roofs looking no  doubt for nesting places.  Welcome I say to these magnificent birds whose agility in the air is amazing and whose clean, pristine white and black plumage is a treat to the eyes.  As long as you duck the poo Seagulls are great to watch.

 Lifeboat Station

On the way back, we had parked the car at the golf course end, we noted the gardens of the houses approaching the town centre and how neat and well designed they are.  Deal is a typical English seaside town and from a glance, or a quick out of season visit, appears just like any other but we discovered a neatness and a pride that is worth more than a second look.  Back to the gardens: the boarding houses close to town are clean, tidy, beautifully, if modestly decorated, with some well designed and thought out gardens.

Fishing Boa

We liked the place and vowed top pay another visit. Any visit to Deal naturally will involve looking at boats.  The fishing industry, stretched as it is by rules and regulations that seem to cripple the fishers nevertheless allow fishing to be done and Deal has its share.  A visitor will see boats along the foreshore and will also be reminded of its maritime role with the Bell Tower Museum as well as the rows of working boats  drawn up on the beach.

A Quick look at Detling

Broken building Detling

The North Downs are always a place to go when winter is still hitting the weather trail.  For the casual walker the promise of a sunny afternoon after a rain filled week and the chance of a quiet walk is attractive.   The dog Zoid was eager to get going but we had to wait for news of a niece in transit from surgery before we could set off so an afternoon was in the offing.

House in the Woods

On the hills above Detling there is the newly created forest or woodland and not far along the Pilgrim's Way there is Thurnham and the castle both places where people tend to go.  The attraction of Detling apart from the village is the woodland known as The Larches and the walk to Boxley and the Warren.  We took the walk past there to the woodland beside the Pilgrim's Way and at the end of the bridleway followed a path between the avenue of beeches leading down the slope to Boxley and the farm track that stretches between Boxley and Detling.

The day began cold and wet but as the afternoon grew to evening the sunshine arrived and we were too warm. It was amusing to watch two intrepid walkers with sticks consult their map, pointing and gesticulating like the two spies in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and moving off with serious faces.  The assumption was that they were following the North Downs Way.

We made a short excursion into the village to look at the church, a wrecked building and to use the pub toilet (price £3.80 for two coffees) and take pictures of the place.  The Cock Inn is a good food pub and a place to lunch if walking in the area. From past experience we can recommend it.  Beer is good too.

style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">

Detling Millenium Sign

The attraction of the walk is that with care and by following the off road pathways you can avoid traffic. Suggestion for those who wish to walk from Detling to the Warren is to park at the Cock Inn and take a walk to Thurnham Castle via the hills, have a lunch at the Cock Inn and walk from there along the Pilgrim's Way and either walk into the Larches and hence up onto the the North Downs Way crossing Boxley hill and going on down to the Warren from there or to turn down to the farm track to Boxley to the village and follow the paths beside the King's Arms and crossing two fields turn toward the hills and meet the Warren there.  You can choose your own walk back but once on the ridge of the hills a pleasant walk can be had which will lead you down to Detling.

Fly Tipping?

The fun is to explore the options and trust to your directional ability - discard the Sat - Nav and walk.

Capstone Park -Chatham

Terns Feeding

We went to Capstone Country Park - a place that complements the parks of Shorne and Camer.  Tucked in the valley that runs from Bredhurst past the Hempstead Valley that leads down into Luton where Gillingham looms over the edge of the hills.  Assets include free parking.




I am not a Chatham fan.  I used to live just outside in Walderslade and on Bluebell hill; the first we described in our address as near Chatham and the second as near Rochester.  I went to school in Chatham, served my time as an apprentice in Chatham Dockyard, got drunk in Chatham and all the things you do in any town, I did in Chatham.  But I have never liked the place.  I have resisted going there since I returned to the UK until recently.

A Friendly Meeting

Recently with my camera in tow and my sketch book with a friend and fellow artist I have explored the Chatham Dockyard. It was an interesting experience and has created some art for me and a project that needs putting together.  So, when Sister suggested swanning off to Capstone Country Park I was sceptical. Delving through the maps and recalling that we have been to many places in Kent I gave in and agreed to go.




Apart from the gloomy weather,

Gorse Flower in February

grey cloud with a little sunshine here and there, wind and the hint of rain, I was pleasantly surprised by what was on offer.  Aware of the vast expanse of housing estates,Victorian terrace housing, grim rows of slate roofed houses and the mess of roads that are clogged with traffic, the ugly buildings and the encroaching tide of commercial building and housing it was with some trepidation I approached the park.



I expected and got the usual blockhouse cafeteria and overkill on the barriers with signs carrying regulations and perhaps a little too keen on management of resources but was not expecting the well laid out paths and trails that were integrated so well with other activities.  The lake is artificial but looks near natural and the visitor centre looks as if some care was taken to place it in the woods without it dominating.

Flying Jay

The tracks are color coded and one can walk short walks or long ones with the option of using the public footpaths to places beyond the park.  People beside the lake fed the birds which was evident from the flock of Terns, the ducks and the fat swans that gathered close to the cafeteria walkway. Moorhens and Coots sailed on the water and above them on the island were a flock of Cormorants sitting in the branches of a large tree.   A little gaggle of geese begged for food on the pathway and wisely Zoid the Oid was led past them on the grass a few metres distant.

We walked the perimeter with a few excursions and had the pleasure of seeing a Jay dancing for its food, and passed the time of day with a local Horseman and his daughter.  A treat was to talk with a gent on a mountain bike whose companions were two friendly Greyhounds.

A bacon sandwich and a vegie burger washed down with coffee at the cafeteria was a welcome break before we set off again to walk the middle bits.  We managed the fitness trail - wearing ourselves just thinking about the exercises we were  expected to do.  Eek!  My sister explained that when she lived in Lordswood Estate she and her husband would take their children to the park and at one time she was involved with planting trees.  We found the plantation plus the place where small reptiles were encouraged, a rock strewn area ideal for lizards and snakes.  Good stuff.

Sharsted Farm and a footpath to Lordswood

Apart from walking the park caters for Mountain Bikes, Horse riding with some extensive and newly devised Bridleways, a ski practice slope, an excellent children's playground and a few areas for educational purposes plus an events building.  Quite a comprehensive range and all within walking distance of Chatham ( or a bus ride).

Broadstairs - a Dickens of a place

Broadstairs - a little rough

I know that winter, January 22 to be precise, is not the best time to go to the seaside where the entertainment is more likely to be ice creams, buckets and spades in the sand and strolls along the promenade to enjoy the sea air.  We had a stiff, cold breeze that numbed the digits, snatched at ears, delivered frost bite to bald heads and created a desire to seek warmth.

What's that?

We walked from the car park to
the sea front and along the lower promenade beside the sand and admired the buildings, the beach huts and enjoyed the splendour of a wild sea that ignored the wishes of a populace needing a drop or tow of sunshine.  More like teetering on the desire to snow.

It was invigorating.

Lifeboat House

We walked up top the cliff top and looked at Bleak House (as one must) enjoying the whale shape lifeboat service building and watching for waves to splash the sea wall.  A young Seagull obliged by posing on the wall of the steps leading down and we saw plovers disappearing quickly on the hard driven along by the wind.  A stop at the Lord Nelson pub for a Guiness and a coffee was a necessary thing and after a wander through the streets and alleys simply enjoying the flint walls, the neat houses and feeling of being in a coastal town.  Quite pleasant.  We were dogless so a stroll was on the cards minus the need to remove doggy doos (as some irresponsible pooch owner had refused to do) and wander into the Dickens Museum.

Bleak HouseAdd caption

I like museums and will take or leave the commentary of the volunteers.  The old boy who played the part of museum host was fine but a little irritating spewing out information that really wasn't needed.  I felt like J in Three Men in a Boat trying vainly to enjoy his afternoon by the church wall.  We didn't get skulls or graves but we got endless drivelling trivia in and around the most useful information the old boy could tell us.  The idiot kept interrupting my thoughts about the writer's life and works and I lost the thread.  I had images of him in the ruins of his ancestral home with Harris singing comic songs on the rubble - that was a comfort.

However, irritating old boys aside, the place is worth a visit and the old boy knew his stuff.

And for those who want to reach the beach without walking the steps there is a lift.  I ask why?  Maybe wheelchairs to the promenade?

There are plenty of places to eat in Broadstairs but we chose a non-descript Fish and chip shop which had some well done wall paintings of fishy scenes.  Eating cod and chips in a warm place was a pleasure but the real pleasure was to have a wander around and casually walk the place and plan another visit in the better weather, maybe by choo-choo to avoid having to find parking for the car.  We can stay all day (I do not think there is a zoo)  and maybe walk along the cliff pathways.  One thing noted that makes Broadstairs a great place is that it is wheelchair friendly for those who want to use their electric mobility and take a long (virtual) walk.

We intend to pay another visit.