Eat Your Greens & Mind Your Manors

When I did recon on my last walk I took the other Richard and he asked why I don't do a walk from Borough Green to Mereworth Woods. Shortly before I joined, my Scout Troop ran a camp near Borough Green and got a reputation for toughness by fighting off a yob gang armed with baseball bats and bicycle chains. Somehow since the age of 12 I've avoided Borough Green. Did I mention there is an army camp in Mereworth Woods with soldiers running amok firing blanks and letting off flash bangs? So I've worked out and pre-walked a route around places I'd preffer to avoid and have to admit I rather enjoyed it.

The walk starts in Borough Green and heads South taking a path between houses until it leaves town, then continues on to the village of Basted.  After Basted we turn East and pass through Long Bottom Wood, then after a short section of quiet road crosses the Weald Way long distance footpath. After this we return to the woods, Mereworth Woods and are faced with signs warning of Police Dog Training.  Turning South again we become aware that we are in an Army Training Area and must not stray from the path.

Finally we come out of the woods and pass through orchards to Old Soar Manor, a National Trust Property, built around 1290 of local stone by the Culpepper family it is a rare example of it's era.

The walk then follows the course of the River Bourne mainly along footpaths through woodland but comes out at Ightham Cricket Ground before heading into Ightham village past the Church of St Peter ( built around 1400 AD) known for its fine monuments in the chancel. During the English Civil War the Rector caused a Royalist Rebellion that had to be put down by Roundhead Troops.

After crossing the main road we'll see the chimney pots of Ightham Court, one of Ightham's 3 stately homes before following the railway back towards Borough Green.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete the Participation Statement,  here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this participation once, not for each event. 

Micro Events – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. 
• Each person can only attend one OutdoorLads micro event a week. (Leaders to leave at least three days between events they lead.)
• On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

Micro Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

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All photos taken by Richard Peel and permitted to be used here.