First, another Datrows leisurely walk, three miles in the scattered village of Nonington. Sunny Feb 27th, cold wind. The only time i enjoy driving in Kent, quiet Sunday on A2 on the way to a walk..
We meet opposite the Royal Oak pub, now apparently closed for ever. About 25 of us. Into Fredville estate, about 100 hectares of wood and parkland, belonging to the Plumtre family. A public bridleway. Over cattle grid on rough farm track. Uphill: the slight rise slows me down. Parkland, grass with scattered trees. Typical and attractive English landscape. Not natural. Sheep. Surprisingly a deer sits among them.
Unfit, i’m soon at the rear. The Fredville oak is first destination, by arrangement with landowner as its not on public path. Think i might turn back here. More than enough walkers to hold hands and embrace this mighty tree. Plans to extend walk to Barfrestone. Think i will stay on original route. Steve suggests this too. We and a newcomer, woman from Ramsgate, walk back together. Talk includes the oak. Chatham House School. Universities of Manchester and Nottingham. When to sow seeds. Return through woods mostly beech with silver birch. Snowdrops. Farmland.
Back to the start. A bus shelter is also a bookstore. Resist temptation: already have more books than shelfspace
Good exercise, good weather, good countryside, good company.
Second walk. Part of my life is a Countryside Access Warden. Kent County Council offers “Issues” to wardens. This one was removing vegetation from a stile in Moat Lane Fordwich. Seemed easy so volunteered. Another sunny morn, March 3rd. Parked north of River Stour to avoid the narrow village about three miles east of Canterbury. Once Canterbury’s port: Caen stone was landed here for the cathedral. Actually smallest town in England. It has a mayor and town council. Attractions include redundant church of St Mary the Virgin. Town Hall rebuilt about 1544. Canterbury Model Engineering Society’s railway track. Canoeing.Two pubs. Fordwich Arms has a Michelin star; we found it pretentious at a family lunch. George and Dragon more to my taste.
Walked over two bridges, past George and Dragon, quaint houses. Careful to avoid vehicles. The narrow streets here connect busy A28 and A257.
Stile looked passable to me, especially as top bar had been removed and was on the ground. Maybe someone had pruned already? Removed brambles and nettles. Sawed two obstructive branches. Three cyclists and several walkers passed on an unofficial path, not a public right of way. Took this route back. Would have liked coffee at pub but not open yet.
B&Q for logs and incinerator for allotment. Coffee in their carpark. Successful outing. Tiny bit of help to fellow walkers.
Rambling Brummie 