Walk Report

Darenth Valley Circular, Sunday 29th November 2009
13 walkers, 19 miles - leader Lonica Vanclay
... otherwise known as the golf courses traverse!
10 walkers gamely followed as I set off from Eynsford railway station just before 9.30. The morning was not as wet as had been predicted and steadily and cheerfully we walked past the Roman Villa (where as a child Paul had watched the mosaics being uncovered); the first golf course; then through woods to the information centre - where we hoped to meet Nick and Judith (who had gone home to get Nick's boots as he had mistakenly brought Judith's!). Unfortunately they weren't there so we continued on along the river past the lavender and hop field, then up the hill and along the low ridge and down to Otford ... where to Dave's great delight we were given free mince pies complete with Morris dancers ... open day in Otford! I get a few brownie points for that he says! And happily we met up with Nick and Judith ... (who had detoured via the Bird of Prey centre!). Lunch was good and the roaring fire was very welcome for those who had eaten sandwiches outside. Marita enjoyed the free coffee in the village hall - another open day delight! So an hour later we were off again and now we were 12 walkers plus leader - though only for 5 minutes as Susanne was not well and took the train from Otford. By now the rain set in and was steady - but undaunted we scampered up to the North Downs Way and followed it along for an hour or so before turning down to Knatts Valley - via another golf course. Fortunately the rain was so heavy the driving range we had to cross was completely empty. Up the stairs and past the weekenders to Romney Street, then down through another golf course to the valley bottom. As dusk came, the rain stopped and the full moon meant we didn't need torches as we followed the small road back to Eynsford passing - yes you guessed! - another golf course.

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