Statistics: 10 miles, ascent 951′, descent 1398′.
The breakfast area at The Bull was decorated with memorabilia from WWII which we investigated while waiting for our breakfast. On the ceiling were “Victory” postage stamps that had been placed there whenever an enemy aircraft was shot down. Unfortunately, a previous owner did not recognize their significance and painted over most of them. Notice the original ceiling within the frame (below).
When we moved out onto the trail, two curious lambs bravely stood their ground as we passed.
As usual, we took in the beautiful views across the Weald.
The earth in this part of England was riddled with flint, apparently created as silica replaces the decomposed organic material of dead marine creatures in a base of chalk (silicification – a type of petrification). It worked well as a building material and many of the homes we viewed were covered in flint.
Today was marked by open field walking and lovely woods.
The path skirted around fields of crops as we entered Bush Valley.
We came upon the tiny hamlet of Upper Bush. The classic cottages in this village could have existed in a fairytale.
We spied a mile marker in the center of the village.
Just down the road and past one more field, we found the North Downs Barn B&B where we would take a rest day, staying for two nights.
Our hosts had converted a huge barn into this very attractive B&B, where we were free to walk in their bountiful garden and open areas, enjoying the dogs, cats and horses. The room was very charming and cozy.
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