The
most direct route from Edenbridge to Sundridge (about 2½ miles west of
Sevenoaks) is by road, but you know how I dislike road walking. So to avoid the
roads, I cobbled together a route consisting of footpaths shown on my map. I
expected some problems and was not disappointed. Several times, footpaths that were
on the map were buried under wheat fields. One footpath abruptly ended at a pile
of farm rubble, with no way to get around. All of the problems were in the morning,
while I still had lots of energy the day was still cool, so I didn’t mind retracing
my steps and trying alternate routes. I even laughed at myself as so many false
starts reminded me of Shackleton’s several attempts to find a route off the
Trident Ridge down to the Crean Glacier. His attempts meant the difference between
life and death; mine meant the difference between footpath and road. It’s good
to be reminded not to take ourselves too seriously.
No footpath on the ground |
No footpath through the wheat |
The
route finding was worth the trouble, because the unfolding scenery was
wonderful. You can’t watch scenery when walking on roads and dodging traffic,
even if the road isn’t bordered by a hedgerow. On the footpath, you have time
to enjoy the scenery, even while looking for holes and roots.
Note lake at distant center. My footpath passed alongside the lake. |
Even
footpaths eventually cross roads, and my footpath passed by a pub, about a mile
from my destination. Many pubs serve special “Sunday carvery” meals of roast
beef, pork, lamb, or chicken with all the “fixin’s,” so I took the opportunity
to have my evening meal early, while the sun was shining and I could eat on the
patio. There, I met a father and his two sons who were out for a Sunday walk.
They had just returned from touring the American southwest – driving from Texas
to California.
As
I was finishing my meal, a motorcycle gang roared in on their souped-up bikes.
I never photographed a motorcycle gang before, and wasn’t going to let this
chance slip by.
That bull was giving you a special look.....another lovely day walking the fields with pretty flowers.
ReplyDeleteInteresting group of bikers. Have fun.