Bluebell woods

My walk this week began in Emmetts Gardens, Kent. Before reaching the woodland where I wanted to start my walk  I needed to walk through the beautiful gardens of this National Trust property. I was quite surprised that the rhododendrons were already in flower.

Once through the more formal gardens I joined the path which would take me through the woods and then up a couple of hills giving me tremendous views over the Kent countryside.

Just look at the carpet of bluebells beneath my feet.

I couldn't stop taking photos. No wonder the walk took me so long.

Following my walk a couple of weeks ago when I got lost as I didn't have a map, I made sure that I bought the appropriate map for this part of Kent but where was it? At home of course!

Which colour shall I follow today?

I decided on the red markers as they looked newer and there was more chance they were still in place. It is always interesting to follow a new path and see if there are any surprises around the next corner and I wasn't disappointed.

Here I came across the site of an old Manor House. There was an information board nearby explaining that when the owner died in 1923, his widow decided to return to live in London and the property fell into disrepair. During the bombing in WW2 it suffered a direct hit. Very little of the original brickwork remains.

 However it made the  perfect place to stop for lunch. The view from here looks out over four counties; East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Another enjoyable walk in the Spring sunshine.