Deaf Man Walking: 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.