Ightham Mote

Saturday took us to Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks, another National Trust property.  I had downloaded a walk from the NT website some time ago but we'd never got round to visiting.  We took advantage of their parking facilities, membership does still have some advantages but they seem to be getting less and less these days.  I shall have a rethink when it comes to renewal.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the route we intended to take was now waymarked which simplified navigation, I'm beginning to get out of practice map reading and am mildly concerned for our visit to the Lake District in the summer.  Never mind, it all adds to the fun.

View across the Weald

Ightham Mote

Oast house near Mote Farm

View from Wilmot Hill

The walk itself totalled just over three miles according to my phone, not the four estimated in the description.  It was, however, a very pleasant stroll with lovely views over the Kent countryside, the fact the sun came out certainly helped matters.

Continuing on a theme from earlier posts, there were plenty of signs up warning of the damage dogs can do to livestock, however, there was no sign of any livestock anywhere along the route with most of the fields being full of rape.  I wonder exactly what damage a dog can do to this?

We attempted to visit The Old House pub in Ightham which has the rare distinction of being in both The Good Beer Guide and Doggie Pubs.  Unfortunately, despite it being well after midday, there were no signs of life and it looked like the pub may have closed although it could just be a relaxed landlord.  Anybody have any idea?

We ended up in The Chaser in Shipbourne.  This is an attractive pub with a nice garden but is clearly geared towards food and was very busy, not really surprising given it was Sunday lunch time.  We enjoyed our drinks in the garden and it was nice to see plenty of full water bowls for the dogs.