| ...HeaderTagline75x500.png?fit=500,75&ssl=1 | Trekking the Planet | |
| ...trekkingtheplanet.jpg?resize=84,84&ssl=1 | Darren and Sandy | |
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| ...feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=800&ssl=1 | Pilgrims' Way Stages 5 and 6: After our rest day we left Rochester via the Medway Valley Walk. The route took us right along the Medway River. We soon encountered an overgrown trail with many bushes and thorns on both sides of a narrow path. It was slow-going to minimize getting caught on thorns and stung by nettles. After about three miles, we emerged from the section and soon reached a grocery store for a break.
The next section of hiking took us along quiet dirt roads. A highlight for us was a visit to Aylesford Priory. Founded in 1242, it is England’s oldest Carmelite priory. The grounds, including a garden and several buildings, are open to the public. We found the priory to be a peaceful respite from our hiking.
At the end of our 11.3-mile stage, we reached a small pub, where we checked in for the night.
The next stage was short (10.5 miles), taking us through the villages of Boxley, Detling, Thurnham, and Hollingbourne before arriving at Harrietsham. After walking through fields of growing grapes, we visited two churches. One of them dated from the 13th century.
We took advantage of the short stage to stop for a leisurely pub lunch at the Black Horse Inn in Thurnham. There are now just two days and less than 30 miles to go on this 100-mile trek. | |
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| ...feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=800&ssl=1 | Pilgrims' Way Stage 4 and Rest Day: We started walking the stage with weather about 10 degrees F cooler than the previous day. After road walking along some busy traffic we turned onto a series of paths that paralleled the North Downs Way National Trail. The terrain alternated between dense areas of trees and bushes and ridge views of fields and hillside.
After completing 13.8 miles, we reached the village of Halling. There, we boarded a local train to ride a few minutes to the town of Rochester. We took a rest day in Rochester, focusing on visiting the cathedral, which is the second-oldest in England.
We viewed the steps used by pilgrims that were significantly worn away over the years. The interior featured beautiful stained glass windows, including a depiction of Saint William of Perth, a pilgrim who was murdered near the cathedral in 1201. And we received a pilgrim blessing for our journey from one of the church clergy.
With 50 miles complete, we now have 50 more to go to reach Canterbury Cathedral. | |
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| ...feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=800&ssl=1 | Pilgrims' Way Stage 3: As we continued our 100-mile trek from London to Canterbury, we hiked most of our stage on the Darent Valley Path. It was a warm day (in the mid 80s F) with significant humidity, so we appreciated the shady sections of the trail as it ran along the River Darent. At other times we walked in the full sun through fields of wheat, barley, and lavender.
During the 13.1-mile stage, we also trekked under two railway viaducts. The Horton Kirby Viaduct contains 10 arches and spans 390 feet. The first trains used it in 1858. Built in 1862, the Eynsford Viaduct has nine arches and is 75-feet high. We saw a train running on it as we hiked by.
Later, we reached Lullingstone Castle. Set on 120 acres, the castle is one of England's oldest family estates. It is currently occupied by the 20th generation of heirs.
At the town of Otford we joined the main Pilgrims' Way path originating from the Winchester Cathedral. A short distance later, we checked into a local B&B for the night. | |
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| ...feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=800&ssl=1 | Pilgrims' Way Stage 2: Our 12-mile stage began back on the Green Chain Walk, a 52-mile route through parks and woodlands. We were surprised to witness so much undeveloped land close to London. Our morning break was spent exploring the ruins of Lesnes Abbey. The Augustinian abbey was founded in 1178 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary and new saint Thomas Becket.
We rejoined the Thames Path again for a few miles at the town of Erith before turning away from the river to walk through a marsh along the River Darent. We even saw some grazing horses next to the path.
Our day ended in the town of Dartford, the birthplace of Rolling Stone band members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. | |
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| ...-e1517618174671.jpg?resize=277,156&ssl=1 | Khiva Uzbekistan | |
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