Eastling walk

Our first walk of British Summer Time - so don't forget to put your clocks forward - sees us set foot in the Syndale valley for an 11-mile yomp starting from Eastling. The valley lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty and the countryside here is a rich mix of woodland, pastures, arable fields and orchards.

On leaving Eastling, our clockwise route sets off towards Stalisfield Green, although we will definitely reach there too early for a drink in the Plough Inn. We continue on, to pass through Otterden Place and  eventually reach Doddington. The picnic lunch stop will most likely be at this point on the walk, whilst there is possibility of a halfway round pub stop for drinks at the Chequers.

We then pass the church of the beheading of St John the Baptist, before continuing on close to Doddington Place and through Sharsted Wood, to reach the pretty village of Newnham. This small village has a claim to fame, as the inventor the summer drink Pimm's, namely John Pimms resided here, which is very appropriate for the first day of BST.

The last stretch of the walk sees us return to Eastling, where post walk drinks can be enjoyed in the Carpenters Arms, for those in need of refreshment.

Walk leader is Kevin Hall