10.25 Hastings from Charing X is cancelled

Going to London Bridge instead😊

Going to London Bridge instead😊

big delays, I give up! Train blocking the line apparently 😐

There's an 11.23 from East Croydon. I'm catching that so will be an hour behind the group.

Given the train disruptions at both ends of the Medway Valley line (no power between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge: perhaps their energy supplier had gone bust?) it was a miracle that 4 made it to Penshurst on time, joined by 1 other just after the lunchtime stop, making 5 on this pleasant and undemanding stroll through the High Weald.

The weather, overcast at first, very quickly became sunny under blue skies with a short but heavy shower in the afternoon giving long vistas over bucolic views, including the back of some derelict farm buildings at Wat Stock which have been painted to resemble a manor house. We couldn't come up with an English equivalent for trompe l'oeil but weren't sure if we could use that expression, post-Brexit.

One o'clock saw us arriving at the lunchtime pub, the Rock Inn at Hoath Corner, only to be told that food was available solely for those who had booked. Which, of course, we hadn't. One of our number did manage to cajole the staff into providing a couple of plates of chips (another receiving a telling-off for eating his own sandwiches, despite being told there was no food available) and shortly afterwards we were joined by the fifth, very determined, walker (see previous comments) who had made good time from Penshurst, fuelled in part by fury at her treatment by Southern Rail, which is a whole other story.

The tea room at Chiddingstone Castle made a useful refuelling stop, all the more so as it provided shelter during an extremely heavy but short lived downpour. Two walkers elected to divert to Leigh shortly afterwards, leaving three to continue to Penshurst, partly along the road as the planned cross country route was completely impassable at one point, yesterday's heavy rain providing a water obstacle which would have required waders, let alone Wellington boots.

You forgot to mention that we popped into the church in Chiddingstone to see the Vinegar Bible (yes it is a 650-year-old typo) and we heard a piece of Beethoven played by one of the female walkers.

Lovely day

Well chsoen poster

Seven took the 10.49 train from London Bridge which should have stopped in Tonbridge allowing two minutes to catch the Redhill train to Penshurst. Instead, it stopped at Chislehurst where it was announced that it would instead be going to Maidstone via Otford. We got off at Otford and did the strenuous stretch of the Otford circular via Romney Street and Shoreham where five took the 16.08 train back to London after an extended lunch. For the benefit of anyone planning to lunch at Romney Street in future, the pub there has closed despite a mushrooming residential park which might have provided some custom.

Frances

A late report that six of us, who share a preference for being a decent way through the route before the daylight is half gone at this time of year, started this walk an hour ahead of the appointed time. Not that it did us much good, since the rains of the previous day flooded the Sevenoaks to Tonbridge tunnel and had some of us turfed off onto rail replacement buses, leaving others coming from the other direction to wait for us to complete the journey in a surprisingly pricey taxi.

The Rock Inn reported that bookings were always essential for anyone who wanted feeding, "as we are such a small pub", leaving us no choice but to continue to the Castle Inn in Chiddingstone. The service from what appears to be a team under new management was warm and attentive. If they can bring similar quality to the food this place will be worth a detour.

Quite heavy rain started just as the 15:31 train appeared, the disruption by now cleared.

It's worth noting that you can also travel out to Leigh via Redhill, since the 10:07 from this station arrives at exactly the same time as the 10:29 from Tonbridge, travelling in the opposite direction. There are Thameslink trains from London Bridge at 09:19 and 09:27, calling at a different set of stations and arriving Redhill at 09:53 and 09:56 respectively. The total journey time is slightly longer but you get a more relaxed connection time than the four minutes at Tonbridge, where you might have to sprint across the footbridge to the far end of the opposite platform.

If bound to be muddy, then schedule a different walk? See the very recent 'mudsnorkelling' report on a Penshurst walk. Thank you.

“Mud snorkelling” was a JOKE!!! Just my feeble attempt to lighten the winter gloom by bringing a wan smile to your lips. Bottom line is: winter walks in this part of the world are muddy: get used to it! Sometimes weather and chalky/sandy soils or gravel paths combine to make a walk less muddy, but you have to give us walk posters a break: we can’t always pull those rabbits out of the hat. There are other constraints on winter walks - day length, what has already been posted, the need to present a balanced offering, train strikes etc etc. It is a tough time of year to pick walks! (In contrast to spring and summer, when suddenly everyone has ideas for walks that absolutely MUST be posted this weekend or their lives will be ruined...). My suggestion is: buy some good boots, wear old trousers you don’t mind getting dirty and enjoy! I also recommend waterproof socks. I got mine at Cotswold (other stores are available). They are a bit pricier than ordinary ones, but they do work.

I understand, Walker. Thank you to you and all the schedulers. Festive Regards.

En route to Leigh I found out that trains had been cancelled on the Tonbridge to Redhill line as a landslide had been discovered near Godstone. I reversed direction at Redhill and did another walk.

I don't know if others had the same experience at Tonbridge.

Is this a fourth Saturday walk? Rich

Yes, this is week 4 of the trial

Great initiative Mike for getting some short walks for us. Thank you.

Here here

11 walkers on this walk. drizzly all day. Thought I was in for a nice leisurely stroll in the countryside having chosen to do the short walk, however, there was so much mud this walk felt more like 12 miles than 8 or 9. The Christmas market in Penshurst was a little smaller than I expected, nothing like the size of the one in Winchester. Of interest to history buffs, like me, the first Rector of the church in Penshurst was appointed by Thomas a Beckett a few days before his death. Also there was a 'Dole' table outside the church but nothing had been left on it.

There was a wedding at Chiddingstone, it was romantic to hear the bells ringing out in recognition of the newly married couple. Good luck to them and good luck also to the turkeys I saw a mile further on. A pleasant walk with very clear and well written instructions.

Following on from BrightSpark's missive, this Kentish walk was relatively short with just one climb after leaving Leigh station. After the climb, the walk along the north ridge of the Penshurst estate was atmospheric in the dank and drizzly conditions before it descended to pass Penshurst Place and it's surrounding topiary which still looked magnificent despite the gloomy weather.

Penshurst fair was dampened by the weather so we set off to investigate "The Rock" at Hoath Corner for luncheon. Here we were not disappointed, friendly efficient bar staff in a cosy and quirky environment with many nooks and crannies. Some of us ate partridge and others fish and thrice cooked chips, all delicious I'm told. Sandwich folk lolled in the easy chairs around the fireplace.

After some walkers imbibed the local cider, tongues loosened and there was talk of cabs and short cuts. There was also chat about the pantomime "Aladdin" at the Hackney Empire (Oh know there wasn't, oh yes there was). So we will wait with baited breath to see if our Social Poster can come up with some ideas :-).

We deferred puddings (although they too looked delicious) and the group headed off to Penshurst Station, although I have to say some of us took a short cut.

The sheep in nearby fields were remarkably clean and bright and we were curious if this was the rain or if Kent farmers had devised a clever sheep wash.

About 1km before Penshurst Station, the forward group was overtaken by the two Russians on the walk running to catch the 3:29pm train (which they caught - bravo!) while the rest of us visited the welcoming Brown Jug and took tea (some scoffing home-made tarte tatin puddings) before catching the 4:29 back to the Great Wen.

An interesting day out with a pleasant surprise at the lunch time pub.

I did not find the path very muddy, it was the drizzle most of the morning made this walk felt quite long to Hoath Corner, although the afternoon was relatively dry and a lot easier. Or perhaps the distance in the walk direction was a bit under-rated as my GPS registered 9.8 miles (that was with the afternoon shortcut, which I am told cut the walk about 1 mile). A nice day out in good company despite the weather. Thanks Bridie for looking after us and for keeping most of us together.

The Rock is very nice, small venue, good service, excellent food and even the ambience was delightful

One day all pubs will be like this

I need to visit it again

18 on this walk which was just the right number and the weather was bright sun changing to cloud after lunch but fine really - it was decidedly warm in the morning. Luckily the The Rock Inn accommodated us with no fuss and I think that we all agreed that the food was excellent. Thankfully we had reserved a table and when we arrived at the pub at 12.15 it was almost empty but when we left at 1.30 the place was rammed to the gunnels with the hunting fraternity, all looking affluent in their tweeds and tassels on their socks.

Chiddingtstone was the tea break for some but as it was so close to dinner half the group went on to The Little Brown Jug.

Most of the Chiddingstone tea'ers then timed it just right for The Little Brown Jug and had liquid refreshmenrt and free mince pies - delightful.

An excellent choice of walk - Thank you very much Bridie2 - I vote it gets posted at the same time next December and also in Spring please.

I only have one concern - the cake at Chiddingstone is too large but it would seem that that is up to me to deal with - not the walk poster

The Rock Inn was indeed excellent. It's pricey though so expect to pay about £17 for a main course. It's tiny so if you are intending to eat there, you'll need book in advance. What space there is is given to tables and there little or no bar space for anyone just wanting a drink.

There wasn't anywhere for sandwich eaters to sit by The Rock Inn. Probably best to look out for a picnic stop either before or after the pub.

hot and sunny about 20 + 1 dog (otto). Welcome bright sunshine after some overcast days. A very spread out group by the time they got to Penshurst where I joined them. The walk's author joined us for lunch having checked another walk option. The lunch pub was happy for people to eat their sandwiches outside. Thanks to the author and poster for a great walk in a lovely area.

PS in case you didn't realise, sorry the front group were unable to wait for others at the pub in Leigh because it was closed! We should have had a cup of tea at Penshurst. Still, as Andrew says, beautiful walk in great weather.

I'm sorry to be a subversive, but I'd like to propose an earlier start and a longer version of the walk. Wasting limited daylight hours with a late start seems unnecessary. Off-peak fares are available from 9:30 and most railcards can also be used from that time. Even for network railcard holders the saving on this journey by travelling after 10:00 is very small.

Five and a half miles is unsatisfyingly short for a day walk, even with a minor extension. There's no need to avoid the Hoath Corner loop, since the Rock Inn is still providing excellent light lunches during its kitchen renovation, as several SWC walkers found recently.

So I propose catching the 09:44 train from London Bridge to Penshurst (no changes), arriving at 10:39 and doing the main walk (15.5km). Or you could get the 9:30 train from Charing Cross and change at Tonbridge to reach Penshurst at 10:27. Does anyone else fancy doing this?

Hi, i would like to walk on Wednesday and really do not mind which version! Just post a decision by Tuesday if that's OK!

thanks

Helen

I intend to catch the 09:44 train as proposed and do the 15.5km walk.

Will take the 10.45 from London Bridge so that I don't have to change trains. Will arrive 10 minutes after the group and hope to join your table at lunch in the Leicester Arms hotel so please keep a seat for me, preferably not beside the farting dog. Looking forward to Wednesday. The Lunch Monitor.

hey! all mammals fart..

since everybody does their own thing anyway in this club is there any point in formally posting a walk ?! feel quite sorry for the poster.

A message from this walk's poster

I've just caught up with all the comments against this walk and I'd like to reassure folks that this walk will go ahead as it is posted (I am intending to come).

There is another lunchtime eatery in Penshurst, The Porcupine Pantry serving hot and cold light menu choices, with sweet pastries and savoury items baked on the premises.

If I may turn to ChrisL comment, I would strongly suggest that those who wish to propose changes to any posted walk, discuss the matter off-line with the poster to avoid confusion.

In this instance, Chris could have simply commented something along the lines ...

"I'm intending to catch an earlier (9:44 am) train from London Bridge in order to do the Hoath Corner Loop as well. If anyone wishes to do this longer walk, they are welcome to join me"

My apologies, Arthur. It was discourteous of me not to consult you. But since I was proposing a significant alteration to the posted walk, I thought I should explain my reasons for doing so, rather than just post a brief comment of the sort you suggest. I believe my objections to late winter starts and ultra-short walks are sensible. But in order to avoid fragmenting the group, I will withdraw my proposed variation to what you posted and will not be coming on any version of the walk this Wednesday.

I totally agree with not fragmenting the group by suggesting alternatives, as it can deter people from going, not knowing who will turn up where. also it is unappreciative of the walk poster & his choice, & the effort he makes on our behalf.

he is actually very receptive to suggestions, if you speak to him directly on a walk.

I am looking forward to doing this lovely walk and hope to take the late train from charing Cross. jfk

Hello Chris,

I would be happy to go on the longer walk. Our printer is not working again. Will you have printed directions?

Peter Gibson

12 plus a dog. 10 at the station, 2 started earlier for a longer walk and joined us for lunch. cloudy with patches of sun . A pleasant stroll, quite muddy in places. Leicester Arms Hotel was welcoming, food varied and reasonably good. Hot drinks and biscuits from a convenience store in Leigh substituted for afternoon tea near the station.

As another tea option, there's a really nice pub right opposite Penshurst station.

I'm planning to do the longer, circular walk ending in Leigh.

Also planning to do longer walk

7 (possibly 8) cloudy then sunny .

Six started the walk at Leigh and ate at the Rock Inn which provided excellent ploughman's lunches. All continued to Chiddingstone to stroll round the castle grounds and partake of an early tea at its café. Two then headed for Penshurst station, while the other four took a longer route to complete the circuit back to Leigh. On the way they met up with a seventh walker who had started an hour late and who reported that another SWC walker did likewise but had not been seen thereafter. All five stopped at the refurbished Fleur de Lis pub in Leigh for refreshment before catching the 5:33 train back.