Time Out Walks, Book 2, Walk 17, Snodland to Sole Street. 23/12/12.
Having survived the Mayan apocalypse, for the last walk of 2012, this short 8 miler in Kent was chosen.
Shortly after leaving Snodland station, the walker is soon passing the reservoirs that have resulted from Man's previous industrial activities; some of these pits have now also become modern housing estates.
Soon, there's a steady ascent onto the North Downs, with some fine views back over Snodland. This is followed by some delightful woodland walking, with some steeper ascents, prior to lunch on the village green at Harvel, though a pub alternative also exists.
After lunch, it's more quiet lanes, meadows and woods before the countryside opens up just beyond Brimstone Wood. Shortly after, the walker reaches Luddesdown, which thankfully, was saved from the clutches of the M.O.D!
As dusk approaches, it's on past Henley Street and and on through fields to the station at Sole Street, where a surprise awaited this walker, though not filmed; the 16.17 train to London was delayed by 20 minutes by the steam train 'Tornado' having to take on water at Stelling! As this suddenly emerged from the night, it was a splendid sight to behold...such a shame that South Eastern didn't advise the reason for the delay initially, so it could be recorded!
An otherwise very pleasant, shorter walk in the Book 2 series!