Kemsing

 I am leading a 6 mile circular walk this week from Kemsing in Kent. I usually do this in Spring because of the bluebells and other Spring flowers making an appearance. I always walk the route prior to leading a group just to make sure I don't get lost as the walks are not signposted. So last weekend I took my daughter with me but halfway through I could not find the correct path. In the end I had to retrace my steps and go back. We still walked over 6 miles just not the route I wanted. I always have an OS map with me but the path that was shown on the map just wasn't there anymore. 

Yesterday I returned, this time on my own to see where I had gone wrong. It seems that a farmer has ploughed over one of the pathways and removed a stile. It took me another hour of going backwards and forwards before I could work out where I was going wrong. I can understand why a farmer would plough over the footpath as it is much easier than stopping to avoid the path. It now needs a number of walkers to go across his field and re-establish the path. Once sorted I was able to complete the walk and feel confident about taking a group with me this week.

The walk starts from the village church in Kemsing, A beautiful church which I will pop into on the way back if it is still open.

I then left the village via the Common Field.

Lots of wooded areas on today's walk. Just caught sight of some deer coming out of the woods. Once they heard/smelt me they disappeared quickly back into the woods.

Bluebells everywhere.

Wood Anemone

I don't know the names of many of the flowers I saw but I don't need the names to enjoy their presence.

Primrose

I wanted a leisurely walk today so took advantage of this seat to have my lunch.

This was the strangest pub I have ever been inside. Everytime I have past this pub it has been closed. I assumed it only opened in the evening  but someone in the car park that I was chatting to assured me it would be open this afternoon.

It looked closed. The curtains were drawn with dried up plants in the window, it looked half derelict. I tried the door and was very surprised when it opened.

It was quite dark and I couldn't see anyone at first so I called out and an elderly lady came out in a dressing gown. I did have a soft drink and made use of the bathroom. I can't say I felt comfortable there. It needed a lot more than a spring clean that's for sure. The smell of cigarette smoke was overwhelming bearing in mind that smoking has been banned in public places since 2007 I'm not convinced it's reached this pub yet.

I welcomed being back out in the fresh air.

My favourite part of the walk. As you go through this kissing gate you are met with fabulous views over the valley.

The village of Kemsing is nestled amongst the trees at the bottom.

The field was full of cowslips.

Once back in the churchyard I had a quick look around this beautiful old church before making my way home.