Working in collaboration with Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent CRP are guiding walks on the North Downs Way. Together we aim to bring more sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round.
.Walkers set off from Harrietsham station, guided by local resident Shira Adler-Drake for a tour of the village taking in attractions including the cherry tree walk, the large village pond full of amazing fish and the local church.
The walkers then made their way onto the Kent Downs Way for the 30min walk to Lenham village for another guided village walk led by Therese Hammond. The local church warden Julie delighted the walkers by delivering an unexpected, guided tour of St Mary’s Church, parts of which date back to the Fourteenth century. The walk was approximately 4 miles.
Some walkers enjoyed the annual Mid-Winter Market in the Tithe Barn at Lenham and also refreshments in local eateries prior to catching the train home. The guided walk included information sharing on the fauna, flora and farming methods of the North Downs, also information covering pilgrimages, local views and how the Kent Downs was used as a navigation tool during the World Wars.
All said they would like to join another walk and no suggestions were forthcoming when asked for ideas for improving the walk except for adding toilets to the North Downs Way!
Volunteer NDW Ambassador Dr Simon Drake attended and shared his expertise in geology and Gary Outram supported as back marker.
