Hever to Cowden

12 July. We were eleven at London Bridge but unfortunately two missed the hourly train and did their own alternative Hever tour. So we were nine. We were immediately in lovely countryside, with meadows and shady paths. It is the way for all visitors to the castle.We soon arrived at Hever, passing the Henry VIII car park.

St Peter’s, Hever

At the church St Peter’s I whetted the group’s appetite with the description of all the beautiful features inside this lovely 14th century church: Sir Thomas Bullen’s  (Anne Boleyn’s  father) magnificent tomb and brass, Early English and Perpendicular windows, 600 years old roof…only to discover that the second church door was locked. However, an undeterred rambler found an open window and called out. His call was answered and the warden appeared and  graciously unlocked the door.

We could not get glimpse of Hever castle without paying a hefty entrance fee. We proceeded toward Chiddingstone through woodland and sunken paths.

Chiddingstone

We arrived at Chiddingstone castle, all turreted in 19th century style. Some went to the castle’s tea room, some had picnic on the ground and some went to the newly refurbished pub. We then went through the Tudor and Jacobean row of houses that is the village per se which entirely belongs to the National Trust.

Of course we did the short detour to see the famous Chiding stone.
Although it is tempting to think it was a stone where people were being chided, it is probably derives from “ing” meaning settlement of a Saxon farmer named Cedd.

We looped our way back to Hill Oath, went through a field and joined the bridle way. We then went through along shady Stock wood and Newtye trust woods.

We encountered the Model Flying Club. 

One of them opened the back of  his van to show us proudly his magnificent models.

We carried on to Markbeech. Arriving at the pub, the vote was for having a long refreshment break before the hourly train from Cowden so we could cool off. We then carried on through the churchyard, a meadow with cattle thankfully far away and the  through the woods to the station. We might have passed Hansel and Gretel’s house.

We were in time and the train was too. Thank you to my lovely walking companions who braved the heat to join me. Christine .Thank you to Mary-Jane for additional photo