High points of Kent (part 1)
Sun 24th Sep 2017
Walk Details:
Part 1 of a series of walks visiting the highest point in each of Kent's council areas
Entry Details:
Walk Report
Kent Peaks - Maidstone, Sunday 24th September 20177 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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