WALKING THE NORTH DOWNS

IMAGES OF THE NORTH DOWNS
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!