Northerly delights 

A select group of six had a delightful outing on January 31, savouring the clear skies and stiff northerlies  of a glorious winter day.

On the outward stretch from Westerham 

The six departed from the King’s Arms in Westerham at midday and headed south, crossing the local mill stream and climbing a steep section of the Greensands Way that crosses Squerryes Park. Then they diverted to skirt the English Heritage Iron Age hill fort to the east, with the River Darenth, here little more than a stream, in the valley below. That brought them to Crockham House, a fifteenth-century mansion that was home to the Bowes-Lyon family in the 1920s. Its gardens were designed by Olivia Hill, co-founder of the National Trust, who lived nearby.

The descent to Crockham House

The route then crossed Crockenhill Common and followed a short stretch of a busy main road before striking south-west and west along a sandy track that took them to their R&R stop, the Carpenter’s Arms in Limpsfield Chart.

The excellent beer gave them cause to linger before delivering a rendition of My Lord What a Morning, pleasing a couple at the next table who expressed their surprise at hearing such accomplished singers.

The Westerham six pause for a pose on the homeward stretch

Then it was back on to the Greensand Way for the return, this time passing the Iron Age hillfort to the west.  A final optional stretch took alongside the Westerham mill stream before crossing it and arriving at Westerham Green, a few steps beyond the King’s Arms, where social member Ted Mouat was ready and waiting.  They had been out for three and a half hours on a route measured at just under six miles.

Lengthening winter shadows on the final stretch home

The group had an excellent meal at what is John Parker’s latest watering hole.  He had conducted a recce there just the previous day.  Route navigation was by Peter Gillman, who used old-fashioned map and compass, and Steve Lloyd, aided by the Ordnance Survey app on his phone.