Hillside swamp trail

The North Downs Way

Otford to Oxted

We took the train to Otford in Kent and strolled into a little shop to pick up some supplies.  We should have known by the shopkeeper's tone when she said "I can see you haven't been across the fields yet" that we were about to let ourselves in for a very waterlogged walk.

There were some pretty good hills involved in this training walk, although most of the time was spent trying not to slide back down.

The rain held off and the sun came out. The breath taking scenery from on top of the Downs made all the efforts well worthwhile.

At times walking 15 miles felt more like 50 - partly to do with some missing North Downs Way signage and partly to do with the squelchy underfoot conditions.

We'll have to revisit the North Downs Way in the summer and complete some more of this great trail.  For more info about the North Downs Way see www.nationaltrail.co.uk/northdowns

Why this walk?

Will and Alex are embarking on a 250-mile walk from London to Devon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and RMH Bristol.  Find out why

Can you spare a few pounds?  Sponsor at Virgin Money Giving