Day 4 of the North Downs way from Caterham to Otford. The walk started with a long (mile and a half) climb out of Caterham, back up to the North Downs Way itself. One properly underway, the first half in Surrey was classic downs walking, in and out of woodland, with a couple of steep climbs including onto Botley Hill, the highest point on the North Downs. The M25 was often close at hand, but never really intrusive.
The 2nd half as we moved into Kent traced fields along the edge of the downs, often with curious cows and less interested horses to contend with. Further along we reached a viewpoint with a ‘keyhole’ view cut through the trees to Chevening House (visible to the south and slightly east of the 14 mile marker) – the country residence of the foreign secretary. The sporadic rain did little to dampen our spirits and we really enjoyed this stretch out to Otford, where we even had time to stop at the Crown Inn, to try their own Otford Crown Ale. A delicious end to a good walk.
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