Country Walk

The Country Walk has been one of my favorite excursions in England so far.  Although we had to walk several miles through the driving rain and rising mud, up steep, thigh-busting hills and down slopes slippery with wet leaves and fallen trees, I still really enjoyed this experience that had given me a greater understanding of this nation’s love for the beautiful English countryside.

            We started the walk—led by George Chittock and his two brothers, John and Ron—in the Kentish village of Shoreham.  I was immediately impressed at how fast we got into the countryside after leaving London—it only took us about an hour to get to Shoreham by train.  After walking through a damp field we came to a quaint churchyard, one that George said has been around since the 11^th century.  I loved walking inside, smelling that familiar old wood scent unique to old buildings, and seeing the fall decorations that brightened up the cold interior.  We continued walking through several beautifully picturesque fields and stretches of forests, eventually coming to a small country store that was exactly how you would expect a small country store in rural England to be—sponge cakes, shortbreads, and ginger beer, lavender soap and potpourri, handmade scarves, teapots, and just about every variety of jams and jellies imaginable.  As we moved on into more picturesque landscapes, I felt like I had just stepped into a Jane Austen whenever we came to a stile to go over a fence or encountered a “kissing gate” that we had to pass through.  After a few hours of walking, we stopped to eat our packed lunches at Eylesford Castle, an old Norman fortress that is now in ruins.  Here a few people decided to go back to London, but I, being the budding adventuress that I am, wanted to finish the walk. It started to rain, but I was just fine (at least for the present time) with my handy dandy umbrella.  We eventually came to a steep hill, one that took a little extra exertion to conquer, but all of the huffing and puffing was worth it when we reached the breathtaking meadow at the top, which was beautiful even in the pouring rain, perhaps more beautiful because of it.  However, the way down the hill required a little more concentration and skill to descend due to the many felled trees and slick leaves blocking a straight path down.  By some miracle, I managed to make it all the way down the slope without any major embarrassments.  After walking crossing a few more streets and train tracks and trekking through a few more muddy fields, we finally completed our walk/hike back at the Shoreham train station, drenched and mud splattered, having enjoyed a satisfying day in the English countryside and very English rain.

            This walk not only gave me an enjoyable day outside of the hustle and bustle of London, but it gave me a greater understanding of why the English so enjoy walking through the country.  Yes, it is beautiful, but it also possesses a unique rejuvenating quality that I have felt in few other locations.  One can come here and escape the busyness of life for a while.  I am so glad that England has preserved its rich countryside for so many years; I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.