High points of Kent (part 1)

Sun 24th Sep 2017

Walk Details:

Event Details Updated
Update 14/9 Note train departs St Pancras 08.30 and there is one change at Strood. Arrive Aylesford 09.51
Event Type
Group Walk
Region
Southern England
Local Group
London
Distance
21ml.
Start Time
09.55
Route
Ferryfield Recreation Ground, Station Road, Aylesford. 8,25 from St.Pancras will be met at station

Part 1 of a series of walks visiting the highest point in each of Kent's council areas

General Notes
Pub lunch
Start and Finish

Entry Details:

Cost

Walk Report

Kent Peaks - Maidstone, Sunday 24th September 2017
7 walkers, 21 miles - leader Peter Jull
An unintentional clash with the end of the Surrey Tops inevitably diminished numbers with several usual suspects Topsing it the day before or marshalling. So it was 7 (mostly Kent) that set out from Aylesford but including Topser Neal who had finished 50 miles after midnight, been home and slept and was back for more. Fields of vines had vineyard owner Rex inspecting trellising methods, varieties and tastes and then relating his findings. Ascending the North Downs scarp was the stiffest climb of the day but the top not the target Maidstone council highpoint. The Bell in Bredhurst was a tardis but we chose the garden for lunch. The day, betwixt equinox and equilux was definitely more summer than autumn, ideal walking weather. Dip slope valleys were downed and upped before playing real life Frogger across the A249. On reconnaissance, approaching from the unadvertised side, a figure in combat gear, mask and with long gun had been disconcertingly encountered in the woods. Apocolypse's organiser asked us to wait while 80 such airsoft combatants finished returning to base then escorted us along the bridlepath through their woods. In White Horse Wood Country Park the group were dragged away from the trigpointed and toposcoped viewpoint to gain a few more feet and reach a much less spectacular wooded glade but with bench for photograph. Target achieved it was downhill, steeply at first, back to the start. More vineyards on the run in had Rex salivating again. Commendations to Aylesford parish council for well-maintained public conveniences conveniently placed.
Photographs by Peter Jull

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