Chilham Circular, 6 July

This is now a TEN MILE walk – largely because I now know that the pub is open on week-ends (though we did not have a chance to check it on our mid-week recce).

Trains: As per programme – Charing Cross, 8.34, Waterloo 8.37; London Br 8.43, arr Chilham 10.08. It is the Ramsgate train. Alternatively (and slightly more expensively) you can get the 9.07 from St Pancras (also a Ramsgate train) and change at Ashford International on to the slower train leaving (pl 5?) at 9.56 to arr Chilham 10.08. I shall be joining the slow train at London Bridge.

Lunch: We shall be stopping at the Compass Inn, Sole Street/Crundale. I shall not be booking a table, but they have a Garden Menu of bar snacks.

The Walk: In the morning we make a gentle climb up on to the Greensand ridge, partly through ancient yew woodland. On the way down in the afternoon, great views of the Stour valley, and back via a glimpse of a stately home once associated with Jane Austen, to return to the picturesque village of Chilham.

There are a few stiles, but reasonably doable. One field in which cattle were lurking afar.

Hazards: We have to cross the very busy A28 in the afternoon. One path in the morning has been blocked by fallen trees, which can only be scrambled over.

No drop-out point (unless someone is able to work out the Wye to Chilham bus stop near Godmersham, which might save you a couple of miles in the afternoon).

Hope to see you on Saturday! Janet