Hernhill is a small village to the north of Boughton. As a countryside access warden, i planned a two mile walk to check footpaths to the south. A walk of two halves: the first mostly across farmland, the second on roads.
Hernhill has a village green with Red Lion pub and St Michael’s church. In the churchyard lies John Tom, a Cornishman who called himself Sir William Courtney who led a small agriculture workers’ revolt in 1838. This was ended by the military at Bossenden Wood, where Courtney and eight followers were killed or fatally wounded. This is said to be the last battle on English soil.
In a sense my walk was a failure as i couldn’t find paths through orchards and polytunnels. Farmers often plant trees leaving gaps for rights of way, sometimes they do not. However it’s a wardens job to report unwalkable paths. I plan another visit to check.
The road part of the walk led me through the gardens of Mount Ephraim, the seat of the Dawes family for at least 250 years. A sign says “enchanting beauty in the heart of Kent” Formal gardens down terraces to a lake. Weddings catered for. Fruit growing. Topiary. Tea rooms. Pleasant memories of outdoor Shakespeare.
Talk with Sandy Dawe himself, on carpark duty. Pleased to be open to the public after lockdown.
The exit road from Mt Ephraim is by the intriguing named Slutshole. A short path leads back to Hernhill.`This name means “at the grey hill” [Judith Glover]
A pleasant walk – apart from going astray – on a sunny day. No mud. Several dog walkers. Back home, a welcome beer from the local shop.
Rambling Brummie 