Once refreshed, it was time to move on. We continued along the A25 through Sevenoaks and picked up a B-road down Ide Hill to a place called Cooper’s Corner. From there, a road took us to Bough Beech Reservoir. As I drove by, it became obvious that there was not going to be anywhere set aside for parking. I continued a short distance past the best view of the reservoir. At a fairly straight section, I pulled over. I then walked back to the viewpoint. There, I spoke to a man who was packing up following a period of birdwatching. I asked him whether he knew of any potential places to park. Immediately, it was obvious that my presence was not welcome. However, it was obvious that my first thoughts were correct. I hung about to take some photos and greeted a couple of other birdwatchers, before heading back.
After some deliberation and a gander along the road, I decided that it would be perfectly safe to stay put. It’s a relatively quiet road. By nightfall, there was no traffic.
I did have something of a view of the reservoir.
A few yards along the road, I spotted a footpath leading into something called Bore Place Estate.
Bore Place is an organic farm that also invites groups, particularly schoolchildren, to come and learn about sustainable farming. They also offer various types of accommodation, including shepherd’s huts
and yurts.
As it was such a pleasant day, I took the bait. I walked up the muddy footpath,
then past a little row of Oak,
across a field
and by some farm buildings.
I then crossed a stream
to a shed where coppiced Willow are being prepared and stacked.
I continued on pass the potting sheds and plant beds.
After crossing the field with a yurt and shepherd’s hut, I picked up another footpath.
Bluebells
Carved hare
As I entered another field, I caught site of a huge hare, easily the size of a small dog or large cat. From this point on, the going became extremely challenging. The trail was being used by cattle, who had churned up the ground, turning it into a quagmire.
I struggled along at an incredibly slow pace. I had to find footholds in the mud. Then it happened! A wrong step and I went flying, straight onto my back, splashing mud all around. I was not happy! I was soaked in mud. The lumber-shirt I had on became heavy in mud to the point that I could not walk in it. Fortunately, there was a trough nearby. I managed to trudge my way to it and washed the worst of the mud off myself.
Eventually, I reached another footpath.
Lady’s Smock aka Cuckooflower
After a stop at a picnic bench for a rest and a chance to use the internet (no signal where I was parked), I eventually came to a lovely view of the reservoir.
Before getting home for a wash and change of clothes.
I do not recommend this walk unless there have been several weeks of sunshine beforehand!