The weather was kind to us for this month's walk, cool but dry, which made a change from the wet July days and weeks we have experienced.  Our walk started in Westerham, famous for Chartwell and Quebec House.  Our first brief stop was at Quebec House, the birthplace of General James Wolfe, where we looked at the property through the open gates.  Crossing the main road, we were soon in open fields walking alongside one of the tributaries of  the river Darent to the site of the old mill.

Soon the path took us up to a viewpoint above the town with the North Downs in the background. Onwards, to Limpsfield Common and Chart, just over into Surrey. A short stop outside St Andrew's church before descending down to Crockham Hill and back into Kent.

Our lunch stop was in the churchyard where Octavia Hill was laid to rest, one of the founders of the National Trust. Following lunch, we crossed fields before the steep climb up Jacob's Ladder to Froghole and more splendid views, this time southwards over The Weald with Ashdown Forest on the horizon.  Further on, was a clearing in the trees which allowed a glimpse of Chartwell and its farm (where the group photo was taken). Now descending steeply, the path took us close to the entrance of Chartwell before rising up to Puddledock Lane and French Street further on.

Now on the homeward stretch back to Westerham, we briefly stopped on Hosey Common to admire wild flowers growing as if in a meadow. Another group photo was taken, this time overlooking Westerham below us and the North Downs in the distance.  Back on The Green in Westerham, it was fitting that we should see two statues, that of James Wolfe and Churchill.

A perfect way to end the day was a pint in The Grasshopper !

Many thanks to those that joined us and made the day so enjoyable.

Colin Turner.

West Kent Co-ordinator.