Walking with Adriana Smith

Adriana and her husband are keen walkers, and have just returned from walking the Calderas in the Canary Islands.

When she joined the WI she suggested that our members might join her and her walking friends to really explore the footpaths in our local area.   Each month she has a walk planned and anyone who is interested can join her.  The walks are differing lengths and can be from 4 - 10 miles.  If you are interested contact us and we can put you in touch.  She describes her April to June walks here with a photo of Bluebells taken when the weather was cold and wet.

On the 18^th of April eight of us set off for Hucking Forest. We were expecting to see an array of bluebells, but unfortunately, due to the long winter, we found we were far too early and nothing was yet in bloom! However, we still enjoyed one of the last meals at the Hook and Hatchet before it stopped trading (Yet again!). A month later four of us set off again for Hucking Forest and this time we were not disappointed, the bluebells were out in all their glory, although more striking in the late evening light they were still stunning and some wonderful pictures were taken.

The May W.I. walk was a circular walk, starting and finishing at the Dirty Habit. The walk took us passed Allington Farm, up to Colyers Wents and passed Coopers Farm, then crossing the road just north of Hollingbourne Hill and on to Gotteridge. We then descended Drake’s Lane to pick up the Pilgrims Way again and then on to our final destination, The Dirty Habit, where a good lunch was had by everyone.

The June walk was also circular, however, this time we stopped for lunch at the Black Horse in Thurnham. The outward route was via the North Downs Way, briefly pausing at Thurnham Castle. This part of the walk had some spectacular views, but was not for the feint hearted as it was quite challenging with some steep inclines. Despite this we all managed to arrive at the pub safe and well and in surprisingly good condition! After lunch we returned to Hollingbourne along the much easier Pilgrims Way.