September 10. Aylesford Priory to Lenham. 25 km.

Oh, the luxury! Judith showed up at 830 am and after some last minute hugs, took our bags and Rawley away, having offered to transport them to our next port of call. We are so thankful for this as it ended up being a very long 25 km day, with some heavy rain in the morning and for the last minute run down to Lenham.

Despite the rain, it was pleasant walking but Scott was frustrated with the occasional walking on one lane roads requiring car dodging and after lunch he cut over to walk the footpaths along the ridge tops. He had an enjoyable walk, exploring castle ruins and watching sheep.

I would love this sunken garden with a little creek running through it. Ken is rolling his eyes while Scott suggests I rent him an excavator and he’ll build it for me.

A misty view and a portent of water to come.

Managed a quick glimpse of the Eurostar heading to the Chunnel and France. Soooo fast!

Quick stop at a Shell station for Ken’s morning Scotch egg. White Horse Stone in the background.

When we passed here in 2022, I took similar pictures of a field full of brown sheep and lambs and one white lamb. Three years later it is still all brown sheep and only one white ram. I like to think this is the same fellow, just enjoying life, even if he does a blue butt! Duplicate photo…grr…can’t get rid of it.

This bridge is called Jade’s Crossing. When the freeway was put in 20 years ago, it divided the village of Detling. No provision was made for access between the two sides…until a small girl named Jade and her grandmother were killed trying to run across. Why does it take a tragedy before the right thing to do happen

We were grateful for the bridge. Apologies, I couldn’t seem to get rid of the duplicate sheep butt.

Hee hee. Directions to the 🚻.

And this is why Scott took the high road. Truthfully, there were very few cars but the one truck was a little nerve-wracking. You can just make out Peter between the truck and the hedgerow.

You see so many interesting things walking. This was about 12 inches across. Creepy.

Yum!

An oast house. You see a lot of them here – used for drying hops and barley (presumably to make Ken’s favourite beverage 🍺). After all, this walk is just a very long pub crawl – it’s how we get Ken to keep walking.

This was one of our favourite stops in 2022. The Dirty Habit pub, presumably named for the local Friars who farmed nearby. It burnt two years ago and is thankfully being rebuilt. Ken misses the Royal Dalton urinals that used to be here.

Two weary pilgrims. Actually, I felt pretty good still.

The Bugsnax and Teensy Triceratops have joined us on this journey for the third time. 3D printed by Peter (except the dino). Bunger (burger dung beetle), Strawbie 🍓 and Cheery 🍒 .