The Walk
The walk commenced on the Medway bridges which, despite the fact cars and lorries are racing past at high speeds, offers some great views of the Medway and Rochester. It's worth noting if your considering walking this route that the bridge footpath is closed from the 19th June for six months to allow safety improvements.
Once we crossed the bridges, we followed the NDW as it gradually rises to Bluebell Hill. We were joined by a little dog for a while and I felt like the original unlikely pilgrim, Harold Fry, as it ran around my legs before it finally decided it was time to rejoin its owner.
After a few more climbs, the way starts to descend towards Detling, where we had decided to stop for lunch. Unfortunately, The Cock Horse Inn doesn't open until midday but this gave us the opportunity of meeting Shane from South Africa, who was out on a bike ride and entertained us with tales of him undertaking the Commrades marathon in his younger days.
Having had a quick lunch at the inn, which was surprisingly busy, we left Detling, we continuing along the North Downs Way. Others we encountered had decided to follow the Pilgrims Way which stays at the lower level of the downs and with hindsight would have been the sensible choice.
The NDW between Detling and Hollingbourne offer some spectacular views but unfortunately it is clearly not a well trodden path. Not only was it a multi mile detour but we also had to plough through some thick vegetation as well as tackling some substantial ascents and descents.
On arrival in Hollingbourne we were looking forward to stopping at the public house called The Dirty Habit but sadly it was closed However, it still bore the markings of being a rest stop for pilgrims.
We pushed on and arrived in Lenham in the late afternoon. It seems to be a vibrant picturesque village and we were very happy to see the Dog & Bear Inn where we were staying for the night.
Things got even more exciting when, unexpectedly the Dead Horse Morris & Broomdashers suddenly descended on the village and we were treated to a selection of Morris dances and songs. A great end to a good day and Phil joined in!!
The Stats
We walked 35.2 km in 7 hours 42 minutes.
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Very interesting walk this time. Well done on the extra multi miles and the distance covered.