The Five Church Walk 3rd May 2010

The rain on the preceding two days did nothing to deter the many walkers, 140 of whom started from Chilham. The majority of these were not Chilham folk, but as our church benefits by a small fee charged to walkers who supported the Pilgrims Hospice or Kent Air Ambulance, the more of them the better. And it meant more hungry mouths to feed by our hard working refreshment team. Smooth running was also ensured with Maureen Taylor and her helpers checking walkers in and out throughout the day, and visitors were very impressed by the scene.

I normally set a trail of arrows between Boughton Aluph & Chilham on the evening before, but the rain led me to start early from Soakham Farm. I was soon overtaken & also met a group of Wye walkers who were going the wrong way round. Twenty years ago it would not have been allowed, but the organisation is now more relaxed though registered walkers are covered by insurance. However the Parish Council requests that walkers avoid parking cars in Chilham Square in future.

Conditions were almost ideal for walking, dry and bright while a chilly northerly wind prevented it getting too hot and the ground underfoot was softened but not too wet. The Spring is about a fortnight behind this year, making the oil seed rape fields less of a challenge, but it meant the bluebells were not quite such a picture as expected. Nonetheless it was a most enjoyable 16 miles (or 20 in my case with the extra 4 in the morning) and so I thank everybody who sponsored me. Here’s to next year!!