Steep slopes and wild flowers

Seven walkers left the Aperfield Inn, Biggin Hill,  on July 7 and progressed south-eastward over rolling meadows towards the ridge of the North Downs.  The walk had been postponed from the previous Monday due to the heatwave and the weather was happily more temperate. 

Emerging into sunlight after a woodland stretch

Much of the walk, with soft going underfoot,  was through delightful meadows where wild flowers abounded.  There were also dramatic variations of light and shade as the walkers switched between woodland and open ground. 

George (and others) cross open ground in temperate weather

After passing derelict farm buildings and a huge pile of rotting straw and manure near the start of the walk, the group descended steps on the steep scarp slope before emerging into open fields overlooking the Weald.

Banners embarks on a steep descending section, with views of Weald beyond

Gentle contouring with sumptuous views led us to woodland paths and lanes which gradually ascended back to the ridge. We traversed Park Wood golf club and a steep valley before arriving at the Old Ship in Tatsfield for refreshment after a long outbound leg of four miles.  

The (seven) walkers at Tatsfield Old Ship (but where was John Marshall?)

The anticipated rendezvous with John Marshall was scuppered by his poor bus connections so the group set off without him for the short return journey of some 1.5 miles.

However, short did not mean easy. The initial descent from Tatsfield was steep and slippery, mercifully followed by a gentle meander along a woodland valley. The final stages required  another ascent and descent, then came a last mountainous incline back to the pub which caused much huffing and puffing. On arrival we found a fresh-looking John Marshall who had already ordered his dinner (including pudding). 

John related his transport misfortunes between generous mouthfuls of fish and chips, followed by aforesaid chocolate pudding.  The rest of the group commiserated (but no-one else ordered a pudding).

Route map (courtesy Dick Jones): 9.24kms, or 5.7 miles - but it felt like more