Wye walk

This is a walk of about 12.5 miles or so from the village of Wye, that heads steadily uphill to Crundale and Waltham, returning via Hastingleigh and the Wye Downs. There are some decent climbs throughout, a few of them stiff, so with approximately 1300 foot of ascent, you can expect a good workout, which will get the heart pumping nicely.

We begin by ascending steadily along the Stour Valley Walk, as we climb away from the village, there are great views to be had, as we make progress towards Marriage Farm. We continue upwards towards Crundale, before reaching Sole Street, and then onwards to the outskirts of the tiny hamlet of Waltham.

As always we will tuck into our sarnies and pork pies at a suitable point along the route, but probably at Waltham so don't forget your lunchbox.

Turning south, we drop down to Hastingleigh, to reach the Bowl Inn, where there is the opportunity for a drinks refuel. Our route then passes through the village onto Coldharbour Lane and then Folly Town, at which point we join the North Downs Way to enter the Wye National Nature Reserve. Along the ridge of the NDW, we pass above Wye Crown, which was carved into the hill by college students in 1902, to mark the coronation of Edward VIII.

All that remains is to descend back to village, where there are pubs for those in need of further refreshment post walk. Our usual pub of choice is the New Flying Horse, so no doubt the usual suspects will nip in for a post walk tipple!

Dogs welcome but on short lead when required

Walk leader is Steve Bourne