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...