North Downs. Thurnham to Hollingbourne and Back.

This is an interesting walk with some nice steep slopes to get those legs into shape. There are a couple of 'fenced in' sections but mostly it feels quite open. Great views, of course, including a glimpse of the roof of Leeds castle. This, and the next post, overlook and use part of the ancient 'Pilgrims Way', (see Chaucer) which runs from London to Canterbury.

The Remains of Thurnham Castle.

An Unusual Stile Design!

Poppies on Coldharbour Lane!

'Coldharbour' is a common place name in England. There are two main theories for its origin: 1. A place of refuge on a remote track. 2. 'Col' (for hill) 'Arbor' (for a wood). This Coldharbour lane does run through a wood on a hill so I favour number 2 in this case.

Wild Marjoram. Try crushing the leaves and smelling!

A typical view looking south from the North Downs. Snarkhurst wood in distance on right.

Hollingbourne Village Church. Top of Leeds Castle in distance to the left of Church.

Snarkhurst Wood on the return journey to Thurnham.