IMAGES OF THE NORTH DOWNS
by Barry Van-Asten
by Barry Van-Asten
The specially commissioned seat which marks the beginning of
The North Downs Way.
The strange fairy Tree House 4 B near the village
of Seale.
The sweet chestnut tree is home to 'unseen' wood
dwellers and an array of gifts festoon the tree.
The path climbs and meanders through some
stunning landscapes.
St John the Baptist Church in Puttenham.
The old Village Well as you enter the church.
St Catherine's Chapel near Ferry Lane built in the
early 14th century. During the 16th century it fell
out of use and gradually became a ruin.
The Godalming Navigation, part of the River Wey, opened
in 1764.
Woodland pathways dominate the first sections of
The North Downs way.
One of the many 'pillboxes' on the route, some of which can be
entered. I counted 12 in the space of a day's walk.
The long march past Denbies Wine Estate (England's
largest vineyard) with the endless rows of vines.
There are many wooded sections during the Surrey half
of the walk such as here at Box Hill, and even into Kent.
Amazing views of the Downs!
The track winds through some of the most beautiful
countryside England has to offer!
The North Downs were surprisingly quiet in
comparison to the South Downs, which gets
lots of walkers during the summer months.
A view of the chalk ridge.
The Inglis Folly
The folly which was donated to the Borough of
Reigate in 1909 by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Robert
William Inglis, VC. Originally a drinking fountain
the folly now houses a topography with the night
sky painted onto the ceiling.
A view of the setting sun from the folly!
The 11th century St Bartholomew's Church, Otford.
There is also some serious climbing of hills to be done!
But the views are worth every step!
Sun, seclusion and song birds!
A Way Marker.
Woods before the Bluebells carpeted the ground.
The quiet village of Hollingbourne.
The 14th century All Saint's Church, Hollingbourne.
All Saint's Church, Hollingbourne.
The Old Hall in Hollingbourne.
The walk towards Harrietsham.
A fine sunset seals the day!
The War Memorial at Harrietsham.
St John the Baptist Church, Harrietsham.
The Pilgrim's Rest
A wooden sculpture of Brother Percival near the
village of Harrietsham.
The 13th century parish church of St Peter and
St Paul in Charing.
The beautiful church at Charing.
Death on the Downs!
one of the many delightful encounters upon the path which
included dead rabbits, birds (such as this pheasant), and other
unfortunate creatures!
The spooky ruins of St Mary's Church, Eastwell.
This magnificent old church was a lovely sight towards the end
of the day and is said to be haunted by a ghostly monk!
A view of the lake from the old church.
St Gregory's and St Martin's parish church at Wye, Kent.
The view from Wye Crown.
The Devil's Kneading Trough.
Near Cobb's Hill.
A dappled glade of Ramsons (wild garlic).
We took a bunch home for the pot!
This poor bunny escaped the pot!
And so did the remains of this pheasant
on the way to Etchinghill!
Just nine more miles to Dover!
Towards Folkestone.
World War II Pill Box.
We investigate!
Inside the Pill Box.
The eerie interior.
A good location with outstanding views all round!
Well situated beside the North Downs Way
and the Saxon Shore Way!
Castle Hill.
Pill Boxes seem to dominate this part of the landscape.
And some are a little more hidden!
Britain's war history haunts the coastline!
Onwards towards Dover!
The Battle of Britain Memorial.
A beautiful rest spot for walkers.
The glorious Spitfire!
A tranquil place for contemplation!
And a place to honour the brave souls
Who fought for our freedom!
But Dover still beckons!
Coastal fortifications intensify!
Perhaps monuments for future preservation!
Fascinating constructions which increased my personal
enjoyment of walking the North Downs!
Almost there!
Dover comes into view!
The Drop Redoubt at Western Heights.
The first phase of building took place during
the Napoleonic Wars in 1804-1808.
The second phase was 1859-1864.
The lights of Dover with the Castle centre stage and
the end of the North Downs Way is on the Seafront!
