PILGRIMS WAY
10th to 16th June 2023
We followed the St Swithun's Way from Winchester to Farnham and then joined the North Downs Way with a few wrong turns along the way.
DAY 4
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After climbing Box Hill, the Way continues on past Reigate and crosses from Surrey into Kent.
The 35km stage ends for us on Westerham Hill, hoping that we do not have to walk much further to find accommodation for the night!
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DAY 6
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Leaving Rochester the way heads south easterly into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing through Detling and Hollingbourne until we reach the outskirts of the market village, Lenham after travelling 31km.
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Are we Men of Kent or Kentish Men at this point?
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DAY 7
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The final day (we hope!) leaves Lenham and continues south until taking a North easterly left turn at Boughton Lees and heading through Chilham towards Canterbury.
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Our adventure will end, after 35km (231 in total), at Canterbury Cathedral where we hope to enjoy the beautiful setting and a celebratory dinner.
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DAY 1
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Commencing at the historic Winchester Cathedral, we will walk through the outskirts of Winchester, on to New Alresford following the St Swithun's Way for 27km until we reach Four Marks.
This stage, although the shortest, has the highest density of churches to visit and will likely include a great deal of stopping and starting.
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DAY 2
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Setting off from the Village of Four Marks, the way soon arrives at Alton and continues on through Farnham, where the North Downs Way commences. We will continue on to the village of Seale, hopefully covering 33km before resting up for the night.
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The stage also passes through Chawton where Jane Austen's house is now a tourist attraction.
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DAY 3
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Setting off from Seale, the way heads through Puttenham and the southern edge of Guildford before entering a more off road section and the Surrey downs.
We hope to walk the 31km to the foot of Box Hill and stop at Denbies Vineyard for a refreshing glass or two!
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DAY 5
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Day 5 is the longest stage planned (as long as we don't get lost any other day). Leaving Westerham Hill and passing through Otford and Wrotham covering the 39km until the Way crosses the River Medway.
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The way does not go into Rochester centre but we will be stopping here and visiting the historic centre and Cathedral.
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