This was broken into 2 sections as described in Colin Saunders official walk guide. Detling to Lenham, and then Lenham onto Wye. Each is about 10 miles for 20 total but in order to reach the start point from the nearest train station (Bearsted) you add on about another 2 miles. My pedometer made it 23 miles due to a (voluntary!) diversion to visit a castle just off the route not long after starting.
The first section is quite hilly with some decent views and the second section is quite flat and remarkably straight as it follows the old Pilgrim's Way for considerable stretches. I found myself pondering about the number of feet that had travelled the route whose origins actually pre-date Christianity and may stretch back to the Stone Age, that's a lot of feet...
As a result I barely needed the guide book and it is easy to walk a good fast pace with confidence that you're on the right track.
It was a hot day in a hot summer and required a decent hat for sun protection.
Although not on the route I detoured off to the remains of Thurnham castle near the start of the walk. Colin Saunder's book recommends it. Not much remains of the castle but there are some good information boards next to it and I'm a sucker for castles so basically had no choice but to go... it's a bit of a climb to get to but nothing terrible.
Finishing in Wye means that I can easily finish the North Down's Way in one day next year, really looking forward to that as the remaining part of the walk is allegedly one of the best sections and quite varied. Roll on summer 2023!
