North Downs Way Part 3 (Otford to Detling) - July 2021

This was a slightly longer walk, with the 2 sections (as organised in the official NDW guide book by Colin Saunders) Otford to Cuxton, and then Cuxton to Detling adding up to 27.5 miles. 

Sadly public transportation is not forthcoming at Detling and a further short walk is required to Bearsted station for the train home. Overall this makes it about 30 miles, hence the need for the earliest start possible.

I found the route well signed for the first few miles, however there were enough instances where this was not the case to make the official guide book invaluable.

The walk starts with a fairly steep climb, enough to get the blood pumping! There are some exceptional sections, I would say that the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve is one of those. With 560 acres, it includes extensive ancient woodland, fields entirely enclosed by woodland that appear to be 're-wilding', some highly impressive vistas and a sense of peace and tranquillity that would be difficult to surpass on the walk overall so far.

Yet shortly after this section you reach the impressive Medway bridge, and in the distance you can see Rochester Castle. The bridge walk is quite pleasant and a contrast to other sections of the walk. 

This was a very hot day, but with storms later on, and with some impressive thunder and lightning! I had to take plenty of water and it was needed, plus some easy to use tinned food and high energy flapjack bars. Not to mention my usual spare pairs of socks for zero blisters yet again, plus with some (Wim Hof style) good deep 'lungfuls' of air, especially when climbing I managed to avoid anaerobic respiration and it's associated lactic acid - no muscle aches or pains whatsoever. This is something I've tried in recent times (i.e a slight over-oxygenation when walking, particularly climbing) and I recommend it.

A highly enjoyable day despite some rain towards the end, but due to the heat it was soon dry again.

Otford Station, about 7.30am, the earliest I could get there, of course it was a much earlier start at Woking!

The signage was was excellent in parts, but not consistently so.

A steep climb to start the day.

This wooden Cross was placed there in the 1970's by the Hildenborough Trust when it owned Otford Manor.

A short stop in Wrotham.

In the distance, high among the trees and in the centre of the picture, a very lucky bungalow owner with an exceptional view...

Trosley Country Park, with facilities for children and a Visitor Centre, but no time to stop if doing this in one day...

Large enclosed fields as you enter Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

                                                           Feels primeval at times.

                                                 A huge open space. If only I could paint...

Medway Bridges, given a plural as there are actually three adjacent to each other.

Kit's Coty House. Actually the remains of the entrance to an early Neolithic period burial mound (thought to be approx 5,000 years old).

Another marker, no pictures after this as the weather deteriorated and time was pressing to reach Detling and then on to Bearsted station for a late journey home.

The Wey South Path - June 2021

 I did this in early June 2021, again great weather! This was the 5th time I have done this one day walk and despite the early challenges, it's becoming something of an old friend. I took the guide book as usual but now barely need to look at it. This is an advantage, no longer having to worry about wrong turns on this somewhat complex route, it's possible to just enjoy the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere - i.e what walking is all about...

Must be getting fitter too? For the first time barely any aches in the legs after the walk or the following day, and the first time I felt I could have done it again the next day! Something new I tried this year, perhaps reducing the lactic acid in the muscles - some 'Wim Hof' style deep breathing, i.e purposeful deep breaths especially in the run up to climbs etc for a little over-oxygenation, perhaps it works?

Back to boots this year after trying walking shoes last year, which was a mistake. My Salomon mudstone mid height lightweight boots once again leaving me with zero blisters over 35 miles. Plenty of sock changes as usual, no morning shower, showering the night before prevents the feet from softening.

Please try it yourself some time, although I recommend May to July if doing it in one day, for the length of the day, and also the marshes near Amberley are (they say) impassable in the wetter months of the year.

***Please see earlier posts for route information, these are just a few additional 2020 pictures of a walk now done a few times. A map is probably not necessary, but 'the book' most certainly is (see earlier Wey South Path posts), and 'the book' can be bought from the Wey and Arun Canal Trust online shop.:-

https://weyarun.org.uk/shop/maps-and-books/6-the-wey-south-path.html


An overview map:-

https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Wey-South+Path

and another:-

https://www.walkandcycle.co.uk/trail?trailcode=SURRTR0032

A good early start, walking by 0530 from Guildford.

That garden in Bramley again, wow...

As usual, no time to stop, not if I am to do it in one day...

The Onslow Arms at Loxwood, where the canal boat trips are based. Must go one day!

Love this vista.

No words needed.

Greatham Bridge, early 14th century!

Amberley at last. Just the hill to climb to the end. Whose idea was it to finish it at the top of a hill!

Never was a train journey home so pleasant.