Daphne organises walks a couple of times a year. Keep an eye on the website for the date of the next one. .

A select few of us plus two dogs set off in brilliant sunshine. We climbed up to see the orchids, including pyramid and bee orchids at the top of the Downs.  We enjoyed the spectacular views from the top across the whole of Malling.   We meandered back along bridle path, woods, pilgrims Way and the Wealdway to have coffee and biscuits. 

A good turnout for our walk starting from Addington Village Hall.  We walked through the woods to see this year's snowdrops and then back via the hall to skirt past Addington Church and Seekers - which has a profusion of snowdrops.  We then walked back to the hall sighting The Chestnuts standing stones and made our way to the Angel for coffee and lunch.

13 of us plus 2 dogs set off from Leybourne Chase for our autumn walk.  It took us through Leybourne Chase fields,  along the mill stream and then through Leybourne Woods.  We then skirted back past the riding school and back to the very nice cafe, where they bake everything they sell, at the sports pavilion.

Amazingly we kept dry for all the walk with just a bit of drizzle at the end. I think all enjoyed the walk and the opportunity to chat to each other.

Early summer, and we chose the only forecasted wet day we’ve had in weeks.  Nevertheless 14 of us plus 3 dogs set off from Teston Country Park in very light drizzle.  Fortunately the naysayers at the met office were wrong and we continued our walk in more or less dry but cloudy weather.

We started the walk from Teston Lock – there has been a lock here since the 1740s, although the current one dates from 1911.  We walked along the river bank as far as Wateringbury and then crossed over the bridge to walk back the other side.  This side of the river continues uphill which affords great views over the valley.  We passed a field of horses including two beautiful little foals.   Poppy the dog treated herself to a swim half way back, the other dogs were content to stay dry.

Before reaching the road the path passes the old Tutsham Oil Mill – this was a water powered oil seed cake mill – originally from 19^th century- the ruins are still visible.  We then made our way back to the car park crossing the medieval Teston bridge – the three outer arches were rebuilt in the early 19^th century. 

Most of us rounded off the walk by having a coffee from the stall in the car park and I think all agreed it was a pleasant walk.

We have had two walks – in October a hilly one around Trottiscliffe with a visit to The Plough for pastries and coffee in front of a roaring fire.  Last week we walked around Leybourne Chase to see the snowdrops – shame it was misty and that the lovely café was closed – but I think the 10 walkers and 4 dogs enjoyed it nevertheless.  Leybourne Chase housing estate is in the grounds of the former mental hospital which closed when Care in the Community became policy.  The estate management have made good use of open spaces. I anticipate a further two or three walks this year – hopefully to see bluebells and then maybe the poppies at Ranscombe farm – which are magnificent. 

This morning 17 bridge club members/partners had a spring walk at Ightham Mote. They were joined by Poppy and Dylan, the dogs, who happily sniffed their way round the route in wonderful sunshine After admiring the splendid wisteria, we viewed the back of the mediaeval moated Manor House. We then retraced our footsteps and crossed a field which led us into woodland which was a carpet of bluebells. To end the walk we visited the cafe for a well earned coffee. I think everyone enjoyed the wonderful bluebells and came away with a flavour of what Ightham Mote has to offer.