Kent National Trust Volunteers  (KNTV)

Event Reports

19 March 2006: Groombridge to Speldhurst and Back.

I discovered (when someone reminded me) that the Programme indicated I was to lead a walk on 19 March 2006. Although this left me with little time to find a suitable jaunt, a quick consultation with Kev Reynold's 'Walking in Kent Volume II' identified an eight and a half mile walk from Groombridge to Speldhurst and Back.

Martin, Deborah and I met at Groombridge Public Car Park Sunday morning in bright sunlight but chilly temperatures. Colin joined us shortly thereafter and we set off following Kev's instructions. The walk began in earnest when we entered the Groombridge Place Estate and walked past the Southern side of its Moat. Groombridge Place is a Charles II manor house that occupies the site of a Castle built by a Saxon of the name Gromen (hence the name). A Norman Castle subsequently replaced the Saxon fortification but that has also been replaced by the 17th Century House that now stands in its stead.

Passing past the House we entered a series of fields and walked alongside the River Grom, until after turning North at a Farm (Pokehill), we began the feared but inevitable uphill climb to the A264 and Langton Green. Traversing the hill was made easy by being spurred on to escape the pungent aroma arising from a nearby Sewage Farm. Crossing the A264, we walked onto Speldhurst some one and a half miles distant. This was not without the one and only map problem, as I was presented with a footpath seemingly too soon. However we resorted to adopting an alternative route to the main Speldhurst Road, and soon the spire of Speldhurst Church came into view (and the George and Dragon Pub just around the corner). Carrying two GPS's on the walk did not lead us out of our predicament, although they gave Martin and Colin something to discuss and compare on route. However I would not be without one in darkest Wales.

I had neglected to book a table and we arrived soon after opening anyway. A Pint of Larkins was consumed whilst we perused the menu. Luckily for me the Beer had sedative qualities as the prices were rather expensive. So we mutually agreed to decamp in favour of the Pub at Fordcombe instead. We soon got there after passing through the tiny village of Bullingstone, somewhere I had never been before. Martin and I had sheltered in the Fordcombe Pub from rain before on a cycling hill climb and so we knew it was more hospitable. It appears to be for sale so it should be interesting to see what becomes of it.

After fish and chips and one desert, (no clues as to who ordered that!) we left for the return trek back via Stone Cross. After crossing Fordcombe's rather slanted cricket pitch, we had some wonderful views of the Greensand Ridge and Ashdown Forest in the distance, and also some photographic opportunities for Colin.

After crossing lots of fields and woods we were soon in sight of Groombridge. The descent into the Village led us past a sign advertising the Tea Room at Burrswood and only Colin proved to be of sterner stuff to withstand its culinary delights. The weather had stayed fine, so Deborah, Martin and I had our tea and cake on the veranda, in the gathering twilight (and lowering temperature). When it got too cold, we strolled the short distance back to the now empty Car Park and headed home.

Gary.