Section 4 of the North Downs Way: Hollingbourne to Cuxton

Another day, another walk. This time from Hollingbourne to Cuxton. The day was bright, not too warm and a beautiful stiff breeze that lasted all day meant that it was a nice trip. One side note I need to mention. This walk is shown in the guide book at being 17-18 miles. However, I will always include the trip from the railway station to the trail. This meant that before I'd even started on the North Downs Way, I'd already done a mile from Hollingbourne station! 

Walking back to the trail from Hollingbourne Station

Hollingbourne from above

When I finally get back on the trail, I'm immediately met by a long slope, which gets me back on the ridge. I encounter some long horned cattle, peering at me through the trees! Not wanting to be gored, I pushed on quickly. The woods were slippery and wet, and I nearly lost my footing a few times! Especially on the numerous steps up and down! What a way to absolutely knacker someone out!

Met some cows! 

The trail was very overgrown at times. 

Any horticulturists out there who can tell me what this is?

If you go down to the woods today...

Remnants

Orchid?

 The guidebook tells me there's a little detour up to Thurnham Castle. With 102 steps! Ugh. But up I go, to tick yet another Kentish castle off my list! These ruins commanded impressive views to the south across the Weald of Kent. And impressive they were!  

Views from Thurnham

Thought I'd make a little side trip

Thurnham Castle

Too many of these today, both up and down! 

 Eventually we reach Detling where I took my lunch break on a little bench, just off the crossing. I still find it amazing that when they split this village in two with the A249 dual carriageway, it took a few deaths,including 8yo Jade and her grandmother before the council even considered building a crossing over.

Jade's Crossing

After a nice rest, I continue onwards. I'm now looking for Kit's Coty House, the remains of a neolithic chambered long barrow on Blue Bell Hill. I encounter another of the NDW trail milestones. Doesn't seem like I've done much!

Stone stile

North Downs Way milestone number 3

Eurostar track

Light at the end of a tunnel, under the A229

Kit's Coty House

After Kit's Coty House, I trudge on up Blue Bell Hill, a long slope that eventually takes me up to Blue Bell Hill Picnic Site. And what views! Utterly outstanding! You can also see the remains of one of the county's largest chalk quarries in Burham, now all overgrown and being reclaimed by nature.

View from Blue Bell Hill

Part of the Burham Chalk Pits Complex

After a few minutes rest and glorying in the views, I decide to push on. Next target is the Medway Viaduct. I'm constantly wondering how I'm going to get across! And how windy it must be up there. It's bad enough when you're driving across it with the crosswinds but I tell you this now; it's W I N D Y! Wow! But you're afforded some fantastic views across to Rochester, with its castle and cathedral, along with the boats and salt flats down below.

First view of the Medway Towns

Spotting the Medway from Wouldham

The Medway Viaducts in the distance

Under the Viaducts! 

Rochester Castle and Cathedral from the bridge

Boats

Looking across the bridge

Views from Cuxton

End of the trail...

 Finally I reached Cuxton after 20.96miles of walking! The longest trip so far. Next up is from Cuxton to Otford. The problem I have now is the sheer complexity of getting to and from either place on public transport. But that's a dilemma for another day...