Section 3 of the North Downs Way: Wye to Hollingbourne

Today I returned back to Wye. The day promised to be warm but not too warm. I was planning to hike to Lenham, but if I had enough time, to get as close as I could to Detling so that when I went past in future walks, I would not have to rely on an iffy service! 

I made my way out of Wye and immediately hit trouble. The Way has been left to overgrow, with stiles covered in nettles! Was a bit difficult getting me leg over! 

Overgrown stiles

We pass Perry Court Farm with its rows of apple trees and then amble over into Boughton Lees/Boughton Aluph (pronounced Bowton Aluff for those of us who are so minded!). A pretty green with a cricket pavilion and a nice pub at the edge. I could move here! 

Perry Court Farm apple trees

The road to Boughton Lees

Where the Loop splits

The Flying Horse

Boughton & Eastwell Cricket Club

We cross the busy road over into Eastwell Manor Park. This was one of the options for when Vikki and I were looking for hotels to have our wedding in, but we decided it was too expensive. Walking through, I can now believe it! My brother-in-law would've had a round of golf before I got married! 

Eastwell Manor

I continue on through woods and farmland, and realise that most of the trail since the Loop split has been on the Pilgrims Way. The trail becomes single lane roads, then becomes trailways and bridle paths. The single lane roads put the fear of God in me! Especially with the boy racer types who I usually give the middle finger to.

Butterfly

Views before Charing

Charing Village

Still on the Pilgrims Way

Managed to cross the A252 in one piece!

After passing Charing and crossing the A252 in one piece (I will never charge up that hill again!) I continue onto Lenham. I come across what is fast becoming a rare species in England, a Roman Snail, Helix Pomatia. It was huge! I found about 5-7 of them as I walked. 

Roman Snail

Now I'm starting to plod, but as I pass Lenham, I realise I have plenty of time to spare and so make the decision to push onto Hollingbourne. I put my head down, and press on, pausing only to take some pictures.

Second waymarker, but in terrible condition

Lenham Cross

Marley Tile Works

Pilgrim bound with staff and faith, rest thy bones

Harrietsham. I've a friend who lives down there! ;o)

Finally get to Hollingbourne and it's a long way from the route to the station. Some nice houses and a church here, but the station looks boarded up. Still I'll be back here soon.

Here's the route today and from last time which I forgot! Today I did just over 27km in around 4 and a half hours. Not bad going! 

Etchinghill to Wye

Wye to Hollingbourne

Section 2 of the North Downs Way - Etchinghill to Wye

What a glorious day to be walking this Bank Holiday Monday was! Today I was going to tackle Etchinghill to Wye, which in the guidebook says has some quite difficult climbs! Hm! I catch the bus from Canterbury back to Etchinghill, one every two hours on a BH, so had to be on time.

I waste no time in getting into my stride, heading into a little copse full of bluebells and the heady aroma of wild garlic. This takes me up to an Army Training course before we get to a radio mast at the top of the climb. 

Radio Mast

View over to Folkestone and France beyond

Carry on around, with wondrous views over Postling and the west of Kent with the Weald, and a little pheasant surprised me! 

Ummm?

Postling

Pheasant

A series of hard climbs and steep slides follow, all in baking sunshine! I was glad of the prevailing winds and my water bottle! The views are stunning, but I was quite surprised by the amount of road walking done today. Being Deaf, it can be quite terrifying, especially on the single lane country roads with steep roadside hedges and some silly boy racers. Still, I survived...

I carry on around, through Stowting and up through lots of farmlands until I come upon a quite awe-inspiring place - The Devil's Kneading Trough. The pictures simply don't do it justice and I recommend anyone to visit this place! 

The last part of my journey is coming as I see Wye in the distance. I'm looking forwards to paying my respects to the Wye Crown, the place where the North Downs Way was officially opened. The views are fantastic, but I am a little disappointed by the graffiti and the couple in a half state of dress, snogging and groping away! 

Finally I arrive back in Wye, after an absolutely fantastic day's walking. I had no chafing today, due to trying some polyester underwear (my old football shorts!) and some talc, so that helped my enjoyment no end! I am, however, a little frazzled! Erk! Looking forwards to Wye - Lenham in the next leg. 

Good Night Britain, wherever you are...