With everything that was (not) happening, I thought that I would go for a walk. There are a few walks in the area, especially with both the Pilgrims Way and the North Downs Way passing through the village. I had read about a burial mound known as Julliberrie’s Grave. It is one of a small number of barrows in the area near the River Great Stour.
I walked round to the settlement of Bagham and across the level crossing, over the bridge crossing an arm of the river passing by Chilham mill. Unfortunately, the mill was mostly hidden behind scaffolding at the time, so didn’t bother trying to get a photograph. Another bridge then crosses the main body of the river.
The path then turns sharply up into dense woodland.
An untidy junction then presents itself, with very poor signage. I had a quick scout. In all three directions, the path opens out onto Julliberrie Downs within a very short distance. I cheated a little by using the internet to pinpoint the position of the mound. The right-hand path is the one I needed.
It took me a minute or two to suss the burial mound. It is so overgrown that it is almost unrecognisable.
The expansive views meant that I was always going to climb up to the brow of the down.
After taking in the views, I continued on in an easterly direction across Broadham Down, skirting Long Wood and Sprats Wood.
Alongside the path overlooking the down, a little cross has been placed, commemorating the death of a Spitfire pilot who was shot down and killed nearby during the Battle of Britain.
The path onwards is a section of the Stour Valley Walk.
Eventually, the path reaches a lane. The lane ahead is a part of the Stour Valley Walk. I followed the lane down to the left, crossing back over the River Great Stour.
Just before the level crossing, I turned left through a gate-like opening and followed the path alongside the Great Stour fishing lake.
Sadly, the lake is inaccessible. It is entirely surrounded by wire fencing with several notices informing one that the lake is privately owned.
Soon, I was back at Bagham, then home.
Woolly Mullein
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