Swale Halt to Newington

Swale Halt to Newington 25th June 2008

After a break of two weeks 5 of us met up at a local railway station and traveled to Swale Halt by Kingsferry Bridges where we left the train and crossed the road to the footpath by the River Swale. Here we had a welcome surprise of a roadside chuck wagon where we stopped for a bacon baguette paid for by one of our richer members

Then following the footpath we headed west along the side of the winding river , although the tide was out and the river view was of mainly mud flats this was compensated by the abundant wildlife , wood peckers, little egret , avocet, red shank etc all made for a pleasant walk especially as the sun broke through the clouds

After a stop for a quick drink we set off this time away from the marshes and headed in land through lots of very overgrown undergrowth to finally emerge by Funton brick works . Continuing to follow the footpath, when we could see it headed towards Newington. By luck we stumbled upon a pub where we forced ourselves to stop for a very welcome drink . Then on again passing the very old church of St Margarets Of Antioch . From the photo below you may be able to make out the roman bricks/tiles used in its construction. Unfortunately the church was locked but we are told it contains a 11th or 12th century lead font, one of only 10 in the country. Finally we reached our destination of Newington Railway Station where very weary we caught the train home

Old Kingsferry Bridge

New Kingsferry Bridge

Typical View Of Marshes

Thames Barge On River Swale

New Kingsferry Bridge In Distance Long Abandoned Boats

St Margarets Of Antioch

Leeds Church-Harrietsham

Leeds Church to Harrietsham 4th June 2008

This week we reverted to our usual Wed and met up at the leaders house to start the day off with a spot of changing a lot of fence panels believing many hands make light work. Then a drive to Leeds church for the start of our walk.
Setting off through the grounds of the church then onto the public footpath through the lovely grounds of Leeds Castle. Leaving Leeds castle grounds on the A20 near the Park Gate Inn and across the road heading north, along various tracks and lanes to cross over the Eurostar track and took the slightly NE route to Harrietsham . The weather very muggy made us step up the pace a bit to get to our planned destination The Roebuck Inn at Harrietsham for a well earned drink and a spot of excellent value for money lunch , an OAP special board. Made even better by being served by a very pleasant young lady.
By the time we left the sun had put its hat on and made the going very warm, this time we took a different route back but unfortunately very muddy in places and overgrown mainly with stinging nettles. Eventually arriving back at the Church by this more southerly route
Grounds Of Leeds Castle

Typical Kent Lane

Another Hill

Lunch

Roebuck Inn Harrietsham Lunch Stop

On A Farm On Walk

Typical Muddy Track

Track Overgrown By Stinging Nettles

Leeds Castle In Distance On Return Walk