COUNTRY WALKING - Chilham to Canterbury

Yesterday we walked 19k through Kent, the garden of England which is currently in bloom.

We started our ramble in the quaint village of Chilham where we peered through the gates and morning fog to Chilham Castle, a private residence!

Further down the track, we came across Chartham Parish Council

As we hit the fields they were still in fog but the sun was pushing through!! Gorgeous.

OUCH!! Stinging nettles......... Ahhhhh, Dock leaves! - Thanks to Mike and Clio who know and taught me so much about the plant on route.

Telephone boxes and Pigs on route

There were hops crops everywhere along with the oast houses used to store and ferment the hops. Many of these has been converted into cottages.

Our walk took us through some ancient apple groves, broad bean fields, grazing sheep and blossoming elderflower trees.

Wild Flower covered paths

Our final destination...... Canterbury and the very impressive Cathedral...

These Cheeky Cherubs were inspiration for a well deserved pint at the Thomas Beckett pub.

COUNTRY WALKING

After many failed attempts to leave London, I finally escaped for my long yearned for ramble in the open space and clean air of the English countryside.

Amersham to Chalfont St Giles and back again was the adventure in hand for my best mate Anna and I.

The last time we did a walk like this together was about 7 years ago in Italy, and in tradition, our 4 hour route was almost doubled by constant chat, a pit-stop in a field with an amazing view to snack on manchego and chorizo and a boozie chatty delicious Sunday roast at the Fox and Hounds on Silver Hill. Oh, yes... and the torrential down pour.

It was fabulous fun and I hope to get more walking in this summer come rain or shine!

Any takers for the next hike in the hills?