BRAMLEYS RESTAURANT -BARMING WOODS

The boarded up water tower that was converted into a residence,what gives?

We decided it was time for a communal breakfast,so the restaurant* was booked via our catering officer and they duly did us proud with a table for ten.Usual heart attack breakfast with lots of toast and coffee.We chatted away (all at once)for an hour or so then set off under grey skies towards Barming water tower (still empty-what's the story there?)and into Barming woods.
Not too bad underfoot,a gentle walk ,emerging at Sweets lane,where we crossed into Rocks farm.
Through the village to the Church and then back into the Research station.
the threatened rain did not appear,and it was not too cold-just about right
there were 10 of us (9 walking)7 degrees ,about 5 miles (max)
we used to cycle this route in the lunch break,and very pleasant it was too.

*Bramleys EM Research station.

LINTON,LOOSE ,BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA

It took incredible backwoodsman skill to get this close to a Stag (not)




I estimate about 1700 or later?





Pig Snout=Walk Out
CHEQUERS INN AT LOOSE VILLAGE SITUATED ON THE OLD ROMAN ROAD,AND BEING NEAR A STREAM ,A GOOD STOPPING PLACE FOR ROMANS.
THE NAME "CHEQUERS" COMES FROM THE CHEQUERED BOARD WHICH SYMBOLISED THE ROMAN MONEY CHANGER,THE ROMANS USING A CHECKED CLOTH FOR CALCULATIONS
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER DERIVES HIS NAME FROM THIS.
SEE HOW MANY CHEQUERS PUBS ARE ON ROMAN ROADS /CROSSROADS NEAR WATER




I estimate 1675? or later


I estimate 1575 but refurbished at a later date
Most of the houses had streams in their gardens
This tree is 1500 years old

1500 ?






The Weald of kent looking towards Marden sort of direction




Following a brief stop at the bakers near Linton Village Crossroads,to pick up a coffee and sausage rolls,I waited at the RVP for the rest of the group to ,well,RV.
We headed off from Linton Church ,west along the Greensand Way which is just below the southern ridge ,and then turned north into Clock House Farm where there are at least 60 caravans for visiting workers! Crossing Heath road through the hedge,we walked down the footpath to Forstal lane,Gordon Court and then down into Loose Village to all Saints Church.It has an ancient Yew Tree which is at least
One Thousand Five Hundred Years old! We then followed the stream ,which at one time had 13 mills upon it .We stopped for our coffee by the Chequers Pub,and then passed under the viaduct built by Thomas Telford into "Little Switzerland"We followed the path along the bank of the stream to Boughton Quarries,and ,noting a Belgic Earthwork defence crossed the stream into a massive strawberry plantation in Iden Farm.
At Cock Strret we headed south into the woods ,and intercepted the Greensand way towards Boughton Monchelsea Church (St Peter's)which has a magnificent Wisteria.Then we attracted the attention of the Stags in the park,who are used to being fed,but we had nothing for them.There was a particularly fine white stag,which was larger than the others,and I identified with it,of course.
We returned to the car park and shortly after it started to drizzle.
It was cold and damp sunny at times but mostly grey.
A good walk,we will repeat in the summer.
2 Deg C, 6 of us, 6 miles
Pic of wisteria Courtesy of St Peter's website.

DODDINGTON N.W.CIRCULAR WALK.

AS YOU CAN SEE ITS A BIT MISERABLE WEATHER WISE
THE SAFETY BARRIERS AROUND THE DENE HOLE/WELL




THE UNUSUAL STONE PULPIT



I've done this once and its disappeared into cyberspace!
Starting at Doddington Church up the hill,giving way to a young lady on horse back,we came to a T junction and crossed onto a long footpath on a large open field towards the church with a spire.I was glad that a spare jacket was produced,as mine was still in the front hall at home.
It was cold,damp,gloomy and muddy,but we persevered.The church(St Catherine's Kingsdown)was still consecrated,but not in use,it was however,kept in good condition .We entered and took some pictures and had a look around.An unusual stone pulpit,and some nice stained glass.From the church,to the motorway,crossing over and paralleling through a foot deep bank of snow.At the end of the field we recrossed and entered the woods startling a flock of peahens(collective noun please?)Emerging we found a familiar footpath and more open fileds,and coppicing operations ,where we stopped and had our coffee,whilst looking for a stick,left here last summer (no joy)
entering Torry Hill park,(Lee-Pemberton estate)we made our way through mature trees and through the farmyard(typically full of junk)and on to the road.Back into the estate,and towards Doddington,we examined a hole in the ground,which we dropped a stone down and it took six seconds to reach the bottom,
about 180 Metres ? any offers?
Then down the hillside.In half an hour we were back at the cars.
6 of us 4 degrees C ,cloudy grey .7.5 miles


St Catherine's church is typical of churches isolated after the Black Death ,where the villagers moved away and their building fell into disrepair.

It's a MUSTER of Peahens-noisy buggers aren't they?

MOTE PARK & MAIDSTONE

A JAY UP A TREE SPARKED A DISCUSSION ON THE COLLECTIVE NOUN
THE CORNER POST OF THE THIRSTY PIG IN CLOSE UP
THE CORNER POST IS AN INVERTED TREE USED AS A BUTTRESS
THE WASHINGTON COAT OF ARMS FROM WHICH THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS BASED(THEY DON'T KNOW THIS THOUGH)
LAWRENCE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL IN ALL SAINTS CHURCH MAIDSTONE,THE GREAT UNCLE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
MILLPOND BY BISHOPS PALACE ,IN RIVER LEN /MEDWAY JUNCTION
THE 13TH CENTURY BRIDGE HIDING UNDER BISHOP'S WAY
A FROZEN LAKE IN MOTE PARK


Cabin fever was the reason for a friday walk,most of the snow having melted, just leaving slush behind.We did a walk from Bearsted through Mote Park and into central Maidstone.We had a cup of coffee and took in a few historic sights ,such as the Archbishop's Palace,All saints church,the Medieval Bridge under Bishop's way.Then back through Mote park.
4 of us 5 miles +3C cloudy,foggy,damp.
Lots of historical stuff here ,go surfing and find out more.
Its a SCOLD of Jays!

LARKFIELD LAKES CIRCULAR TOUR

Well,at least a couple of intrepids took to their feet to challenge the weather.
as you can see,snow,icy roads ,frozen lake,warm pub,warm beer.
Most of the rest of us went our separate ways,for the usual logistical reasons.
The two who did take part will of course receive the Arctic Explorers Medal .
About 5 miles ,2 chaps,(v cold 0C)and snowy