Why walk in Wye?

Wye, a village in Kent that has a fascination for many summer visitors. Set below the North Downs in the Great Stour valley it is a North Downs village or where I am used to living we would call it a township. This was a small voyage of discovery for myself and Sister as we entered the village from Boughton Aluph rather than from Ashford driving down the A251 from Challock. A quick tour by car, we were looking for a car park and a pub, and we arrived at The New Flying Horse where we stopped for lunch. Although winter is not the time to visit Wye the treat was the warm fire in the pub bar and the friendly staff who were willing to expound the virtues of the Inn. From what I can see it is the place to stay in Wye boasting good food, ample parking, family friendly with the right balance of exclusiveness for adults who do not want children in the bars with them yet caters for children's meals. The place has summer tea room and gardens that replicates its model shown at the 2005 Chelsea Flower show which is one of reasons why I feature the pub. As part of the attractions of Wye this is a place to visit. The picture above is the garden in its winter glory.

From the pub and as you walk around Wye itself you catch a glimpse of the chalk crown carved on the hillside which is another draw for the casual walker. Wye is a stop on the pilgrims way which for the modern traveller is easily negotiated by car or bike but for the traveller who wants a little more casual journey before descending on Canterbury the area of downs around Wye is worth exploration following as you will parts of the North Downs Way.

The church and is a mixture of development from its early beginnings and standing on its own is a wonderful focus for the village.

However, the Wye has other attractions. We had only a few hours in the afternoon but saw enough to be attracted by the idea of stopping during the summer and hiking up into the hills. A feature of Wye is the green and the magnificent church alongside of which is the ancient Wye College which we learned from a graduate is about to be closed down as a functioning university college - belonging to the University of London - and is likely to become a problem as a grade I listed building for the local council. Let uas hope the place will remain a functioning building. Where once it was a college of Agriculture and related business studies along with the farm campus outside the village it may be split up to serve other less accessible purposes.

The paddocks above Wye bridge covered in water. Motorists stopped waiting for the railway gates to be re-opened were agog at the amount of fast flowing water.

We took a stroll, in the increasing cold, to the river where we were not surprised to see it in spate after the recent heavy rains and stood on the bridge looking down at the old mill house and the weir on one side and the Tickled Trout pub on the other. We remembered a visit some years back when we sat in the sunshine lunching at the Tickled Trout dodging the wasps and watching the tranquil clear water swimming with trout and water birds. The river burbled over the stones as quietly musical as someone softly singing a favourite tune. This day the paddocks above the bridge were flooded and the mill house threatened by rising waters should the rain increase.

Apart from the significant buildings; a winter visit for the casual walker should embrace the buildings becasue from experience the paths are exceedingly muddy, there is much of interest to see and enjoy in Wye as it is a mix of old and new in a reasonable representative progression. From 16th C buildings, some Georgian and Victorian there are also some modern buildings that go to make up the face of Wye. At times in its history it is obvious that councils have attempted to follow the general look of Wye and atlhough it is certain that some of these are ex-council houses they seem to fit in. In the centre of the village is the Old Bailiff's House shown here with sign above the door.

The unusual church building - Methodist I believe - in the centre of Wye.

But take a walk in the centre and you will believe you are in an earlier time as long as you can filter out the parked cars. You will be surprised by some little nooks that in spring and summer will be filled with flowers and birds and you will forget you are within a few minutes driving of Ashford and imagine the horse, donkeys, and weary foot travellers of a past time and wonder if they might have stopped by the river or called at the Inns to spend the night before heading off again for Canterbury.

And that I think is why you should take a walk in Wye.

Faversham - an interesting town.

Faversham, the home of Shepherd Neame brewery and the historical gunpowder works. We drink the beer and enjoy it as part of Kent's unique flavor, the place where many hundreds of workers from London would come each year to pick hops, and each year enjoy the mayhem of the Hop Festival. This day my intrepid sister and myself took a stroll around the town because it was too muddy for track walking and threatened rain. We needed to run for shelter.

So we began our trek from the car park in the centre of town and headed for the town square where there was a French market around the old Guildhall. On the left is a view of the clock tower and if you are around in July when Faversham has an open town (for a reasonable fee) the Guildhall is on the list and well worth a visit.

Alongside the guldhall is a pump that must have once been used as a fire pump and also to supply water to the town centre. The square is a busy place and even if you have no intention of shopping is well worth a visit - try The Bear public house and experience an atmosphere that is both welcoming and typical of Faversham's welcome to its visitors.

We did not go into the Bear but I can recommend the tavern for its beer and decor which is a mixture of much older times and the dominant 19th C. A cosy pub.

However, Faversham is a maritime town and it was great to see some barges in the creek being renovated and a project that we will follow up later on. The history of the Thames barges is an interesting one and at times I will touch on it but for the moment I have nothing to offer. Like all things at times we have to look, listen, learn and investigate before we can pronounce and this I intend to do. In the meantime look forward later in the year to some small items on Thames barges. The messy wharf looks bleak in the winter but I am sure that come summer the place will liven up.

We took a stroll up to the recreation ground where the Rugby Club has it pavilion and club house and walked the perimeter wheer we met a man with a lively dog and had a chat. It was pleasant to listen to him and share the time of day and I was impressed with the park which is an asset to residents with its well designed play area and neat gardens plus a view over the town to the dominating church spire.

This is just a taste of Faversham which is worthy of a longer visit, and in particular to take a walk around the town, pay a visit to the brewery and explore the paths around the area including the gunpowder works at Bysing Country Park.

On top of all that there is of course the wonderful Queen Elizabeth Grammer School building opposite the modern school to see that stands not far from Arden of Faversham's house where on occassion players will put on a version of the ancient story.

Hawkhurst, gateway to the south.

Hawkhurst was our choice for this first trip of 2009 and on this beautiful winter's day, cold but sunny, we were willing to walk the streets, look at the houses and the shops and maybe take a plunge into the public footpaths. The result was an amble, stuffing heated pastries into our jaws from the bakery in the Collonade shopping area and a wander towards the Marlborough School. We turned down past the school on a well dedicated pathway which led past the school grounds replete with rugby posts, and a pond that sparkled in the sunshine to wander down through what, in the spring will be a wonderful walk beside a rhododendron hedge. We landed on the area called The Moor and stopped to have a cup of tea and coffee at the Eight Bells Inn. Try the place, it is a Victorian building that serves food and good ale ( doesn't every pub?) with a garden bar out back that overlooks a duck pond.

From there take a look at the church which is worth a visit and enjoy the graveyard and the most unusual gate. Usually we waffle on about the Weald of Kent but we must not forget that Hawkhurst is the town that leads onto the fields of Sussex and eventually to the south downs and the ancient town of Hastings where poor, tired Harold found a need for eye surgery and cursed the archers of Willy the Conquerer. What the hec that has to do with Hawkhurst I do not know but one does get the impression of leaving one region for another.

And naughty me I did not take the name of the church but to compensate for that I did take picture of the chapel and its glorious staned glass window; a treat for any body be they

worshipper or not. Another treat is the magnificent kneelers made for the Jubilee that are evident beneath the pews.

From the churche we walked back toward Hawkhurst town and turned onto a a public footpath opposite the Cricketer Inn that led us through fields to the main road and delighted us with a bridge across a stream where we looked for Trolls (there were none unfortunately as I had a question about Billy Goats Gruff to put to them) and then on up to the road to another path that led around the town to emerge behind the Queen's Hotel (Posh dress or chucked out - not very friendly) and back to the town.

On the way we saw this wonderful winter scene that seemed to invite us to explore.

The Green at The Moor boasts a sign as you enter the town and a beacon used, so I am informed during the Jubilee celebrations. Whoopee!

By way of explanation; when we went into the church although it is not my usual practice to take pictures inside I had to take one of the window and the chapel which were illuminated by the winter sun and with my usual respect toward religion and its trappings I felt a little guilty but the church is worth a visit so bear with me. The day was so pleasant that I wanted to share my view with you, the reader.

On the right are the almshouse where our Aunt once lived and from a a sentimental value I include them in the story. My sister and I are fond of our Aunts.

In addition to these magnificent buildings after our walk we popped into the Kino cinema for a cup of coffee and a bun before returning home. Surprise! They were showing North Face, Australia and Inkheart on a three film program for this week. Amazinglingly this cinema was an adapted lecture hall built in 1875 - probably by the Methodist Church to educate the workers, but this is my guess and the project is to be praised. It was busy!

The walk was enjoyable and by circumnavigating much of Hawkhurst and yet seeing it as well we had a great day shortened only by the dusk and the need to return. The place is worth a visit.

Surprised by Wateringbury

Wateringbury straddles the A26 from Maidstone not far from East Malling and Yalding on the river Medway. Most people are passing through Wateringbury unless they have business in the village of happen to live there. There is a pub on the A26 as you approach the crossroads that is a venue for functions and has a good restaurant if yuo like Chef and Brewer style pubs. The drop of Spitfire I had there was excellent but other than that I would plump for a try at the Railway Inn near the station. We parked in the free car park and took a stroll around the village on what was the last Saturday of 2008. It was cold, frosty even and yet sunny. We chose the place at random because we felt like a walk in the sun despite the cold.

Which, the cold I mean, beggars the thought of being incarcerated in the town lock-up shown on the left. We looked inside and saw how mall it was and reckoned that in the winter one would be

suffering like the proverbial brass monkeys. Nevertheless although it may no longer be used for its original purpose and was filled with fence spiles it seemed to be a most solid and sensible building.

Our walk took us down the road leading to Nettleford and the river and bent away from there onto a pthway that led across open fields above the village to a set of tastefully converted oast houses. From there we walked down to where we could view the church and was pleasantly surprised by a cluster of houses beside a mill pond complete with ducks and a mill house.

The surprise was that we had not expected to see such a tranquil scene and view some beautifully designed gardens that utilised the old mill race. The walk then took us past the old mill and up to the A26 and along to the church.

The surpise of the day was spotting primroses in flower between the graves and some actually in full bloom, if somewhat small, and we assumed that the recent mild weather had fooled them into venturing out. The fools! do they not know that winter cold is coming?

However, below is a picture of the brave little souls.

Altogether Wateringbury was a pleasnt surprise on a cold day

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.

A short stroll around Bredgar

Bredgar, split in twain by the M2, staving off the intrusion of Sittingbourne from the north and the east, resting in a small valley high above the Swale is a thriving community aware of its history and passed through on the way to Hollingbourne. Yet here is a tranquil haven for those who love to be involved in village life.

Apart from the intrusion of the M2 Motorway, which can barely be heard from the village hall or within the environs of the village itself, Bredgar is one of those forgotten villages on the edge of Sittingbourne that deserves more than a passing glance as you drive through. Stop at the Sun for a drink and a meal and take a walk around and view the pretty church and the 14th century Chantry building and cottage opposite. Unique in this group of villages in the area it has a pond and its share of modern and ancient buildings ranging from the church and the Chantry, through 16th C to the present day. Bredgar can also boast a functioning, and well respected primary school whose staff and pupils have created an environmentally friendly garden which is. as you can imagine in this day and age will go a long way to make young people aware of the larger questions besides economic ones that we face today.

The village is more or less centered around the pond with the church dominating its skyline

But the buildings are not all that Bredgar has to offer. A walk from the tea shop by the pond took us, my sister and myself, along a public footopath past some of the oldest buildings to Silver street and then on up to Blind Mary's lane where we turned toward Deans Hill to enjoy a cold winter's walk on roads and contemplated a hike later on when shod with good shoes on a semi circular route leading out past Deans Hill down over the motorway and back.

We spent the morning at the Christmas Fayre; my sister being domiciled in Bredgar desired to support local fund raising so, on the promise of a stroll around the village I went with her. The surprise, apart from the running commentary from her on who lives where of her friends in the village, the walk revealed some pleasing sights. These included a somewhat hazy view over the landscape; hazy because the afternoon sun was watery in the lowering dew. We could see across the estuaries to Sheppey and as far as Southend with a magnificent view of Bredgar nestling in the slight valley below Deans hill.

The house on the way out of Bredgar is older than it looks.

The view from Deans hill on a winter's day hides the imperfections of industry and the M2.

Nevertheless it was a pleasant walk and I am certain that in spring next year we will take the opportunity to explore the area and take a more thorough look at the countryside.

A walk around Ringlestone

The Ringlestone Arms has a history well known in Kent for the oddities of the two women, a mother and daughter, that once owned it. The pub is ancient - we sat in a bench chair dating from 1620 - with brick floors and wooden beams and this time of the year a huge welcoming fire.

However the objective of what was a cold November day was to walk and enjoy some exercise. We set off, wrapped up warm with a map for guidance intending to follow a route that took us in a loop touching closely on the village of Frinstead and Wormshill. The intention was to enjoy a walk and a lunch with perhaps the option of another walk afterwards.

Instead we walked to Frinstead via indifferently marked footpaths and then to Wormshill. From there we walked along the road to Ringlestone passing the point where we had expected to emerge. Yew Tree farm was the targetbut not to be. Blame it on the Sat-Nav.

As it turned out the walk was worth it when as we walked alomng the top of the hill exposed to the wind and the as yet un-melted frost the sun bravely warmed the land adding color to the mid Autumn scenery. Trees not yet totally stripped of their leaves caught the sunlight that glinted off the yellowing foliage and gave the grass and undergrowth an extra fillip of brightness.

Passing through Wormshill I posed for a photo beside the still used Victorian red postbox; reflecting on the existance of post boxes in Downs villages and wondering how many are pre ER. I know some are GR but not all are in use.

Returning to the Ringlestone Arms my sister changed her shoes for clean ones that she had in the car and I politely allowed my shoes to be covered in thoughtfully supplied boot covers in the lobby before entering. Serving a modest lunch menu we chose a vegetarian pie which was tasty and of the right size serving to fill but not to bloat. On a Summer day a pre-lunch walk taken and to eat and take some of the Shepherd and Neame beer is a good recipe with the right size serving to enjoy a full day hiking. This must be a date for next year.


In addition Ringlestone is small and pretty and even in the cold weather is well worth a visit. The view from the pub car park is magnificent.