An autumn ritual is a walk in Rough Common woods, to the west of Canterbury, to pick chestnuts. Chestnuts are welcome at Halloween and Bonfire Night. Over the years i have made numerous trips here, often with children, sometimes by bike, by car when more prosperous.
A signed footpath off Rough Common Road on the opposite side from the village hall leads downhill into the woods. Lots of chestnut trees and lots of nuts on the ground. Autumn gales make picking easy. Remembered thick gloves for prising open the spiny shells where necessary.
The path leads down to a stream, nameless as far as i know, with more nuts for the picking. Turning right leads to a footbridge over the stream, useful for acting out Three Billy Goats Gruff when sons were young.
Earthworks, presumably built for BMX riding. Follow the stream up to a wide track. A pond. Once saw a newt here. Follow the track, muddy in places, up hill. There used to be a fallen tree at the top, a pretend spaceship. The track leads to Ross Gardens and the main road. Used to be a pub here: the Dog and Bear, now offices.
I’ve never seen many people in these woods. Today, three dogwalkers. Walk made more pleasant by sunshine after days of rain. Plenty of chestnuts.
Rambling Brummie 