Saturday, 23 July 2022 - PILGRIMS WAY 5: HALLING TO BEARSTED - 11 miles - Leader: Barbara M

A shorter morning section to Aylesford Priory, taking in the ruins of a Bishop's Palace in Halling and a 12th century church in Burham. After a brief encounter with the North Downs Way, we follow field paths linking the churches of Boxley, Detling and Thurnham before heading to Bearsted for the train home.

Lunch: Cafe or pinic at Aylesford Priory

· Medway

· Leader points out site of first pilgrims’ ferry crossing

· Our bridge crossing – not on all OS maps!

· St Mary’s Burham, 12th century – one of many churches en route

· Aylesford Priory – our lunch stop

· Seeking shade at Boxley

- A welcome cold drinks stop with our leader at the Kings Arms, Boxley

· Valley view

· White Horse Stone on Bluebell Hill possibly part of early Neolithic chambered long barrow

· Vineyards

· Cornfields

· Final stretch to Bearsted

Photos: Caroline K, Ruth