Sevenoaks Ramblers organises a variety of walks on Wednesdays and Sundays in the wonderful countryside around Sevenoaks. Come and join us!
Stephen U.
An opportunity to get some exercise in before the inevitable excesses of the next week or so feel just a little bit more virtuous. The walk starts from the car park next to St Martin's Church at the back of Brasted. We will pass by the water meadows of the Darenth and through the village before a steady walk up through fields and woods to the Greensand Ridge, passing near to the sadly repurposed Sevenoaks Workhouse. We shall follow the Ridge, with its views to the High Weald, Ashdown Forest and South Downs on a clear day (but with a bit of luck we may be enshrouded in mist to dampen any jollity), until we reach Ide Hill where a short picnic lunch will be taken followed by a break for liquid refreshments at either the Cock Inn or the Cafe/shop (toilets available at both locations)
After lunch we shall go the right way (ie downhill) from Ide Hill, before climbing back up to Toys Hill, from where we will commence the long and reasonably steady descent down Piper's Lane (with views to the North Downs and Holmesdale Valley for those who like that sort of thing) back to the start of the walk in Brasted. For some reason the idiot who designed this walk managed to locate a pub (the Stanmore Arms) next to its end, where those wishing to indulge the Christmas Spirit (whatever that may be!) may wish to do so.
Some mud and reasonably steep hills (though nothing excessive) are guaranteed, and moaning about them is encouraged.
Note this walk is being held on Tuesday rather than the usual Wednesday so participants may spend more time with their families if they unfortunately arrive early, start preparing for the over indulgence of Thursday, leave their Christmas shopping to the last moment having wisely avoided the ridiculous over commercialisation of the past 3 months while I brace myself for the rather pitiful and repetitive haunting after I've scoffed all the mince pies and whisky intended for that mythical character in red.
Any visiting family members, including any children needing calming down, are more than welcome to join us as are any well behaved dogs, but please note there are a small number of stiles, and livestock and pheasants in the area being walked through so they will need to be kept on leads for most of the walk.
Such frivolity as Christmas jumpers and costumes, Carol singing and the usual comestibles may be accepted under duress - though any excess may be subject to forfeits such as a quick run up and down Yorks Hill.
Ebenezer
free Car Park next to St Martin's Church, Brasted. Easier to access from the A25 via Church Road (rather than Rectory Lane and Coles Lanes
