An excellent walk from Offham, near West Malling. A ten-mile walk taking in Leybourne and Mereworth Woods, a visit to Old Soar Manor, and Platt before returning to Offham.

Fourteen gathered for the start of the walk from the green where there a replica of a quintain.  The walk soon progressed through to Leybourne and later on, Mereworth Woods. Dropping down to a lane with wonderful views below, we soon found ourselves outside a National Trust property, Old Soar Manor. This is a 13th century solar chapel, all that remains of a Medieval knights' dwelling. We stopped for about 20 minutes to admire this beautiful building and discovering the historical facts in one of the rooms. A very interesting place to visit if you get the chance.

The walk continued through large fields and eventually reached the River Bourne, on the outskirts of Plaxtol Spout. We stopped for lunch at the edge of a field where, in the adjacent field, the crop was being harvested. After lunch, we crossed lanes, fields, and woods, with the sound of the Bourne not far away. At Basted, we took a path which was overgrown with nettles and brambles when I did the recce, but not today, as the whole area had been drastically cleared, obliterating whole trees, bushes, and  fencing !

We soon arrived at Platt village and took a path through the churchyard which rose steeply into woods, before reaching a golf-course.

Arriving back at Offham, most of us descended on The King's Arms for a welcome drink.

A great day with great company. Good to see you all as always.

Colin Turner.

West Kent Co-ordinator.