Otford Outing, 01 March 2009

The Otford Outing.

By Leah Thomas

The Team: Mel, Emma, Kelly, Lisette, Leah, with guests Simon and Orsi

For the first hike in March we were joined by Simon and Orsi Adamson to hike over the North Downs from Otford in Kent.

Although only 5.3 miles this walk had some really challenging inclines one of which had 145 (I counted) man-made steps built in to the steepest part of the slope, these steps were uniquely designed in that they were too far apart to comfortably accommodate one stride and a little close for two thus ensuring maximum discomfort for this part of the climb.

Two golf courses and plenty of woodland were covered, we met other hikers, some sheep the odd golfer and a few ponies and calves en route; one stile bore a sign warning us to ‘Beware of the Bull'. As Lisette, Simon and Orsi were wearing red those of us in black decided to give them a wide berth to allow the Bull a clear run should he need it, my fun at their expense was short lived when I wandered into some electric fencing.

The weather was a little overcast and muggy yet all in all a vast improvement on some of the previous outings, the few muddy spots that we encountered were deftly negotiated by all; that said should someone take a puddle dive in the next couple of months cameras are at the ready so keep watching this space.

Leah