Aromatherapy & Alpacas

The Hikers were out in force, as the 5 strong team of booted personnel congregated in the car park of the Merrie Harriers, Cowbeech with the July sunshine already raising the temperature to around 19°C. We'd stated that we should approach this venture as a 'stroll' and not a challenging route march as the heat was destined to rise to the mid 20's.
The lane opposite the pub invited our steps for the first mile, that soon turned into faithful footpaths. The lanes were only occupied with the occasional Range Rovers today and a healthy wave of acknowledgement as we stood aside was offered in gratitude rather than recognition.
A horse and its rider trotted passed us, commenting upon the rarity of seeing 5 men out hiking along the local lanes.... we assured her that it happens very rarely.

We then came across the site of some Alpacas in a farm yard area. Dr Doolittle of our group tempted them for some affectionate stroking (so he informed us) however we were more concerned that one in particular was setting up his aiming technique for some saliva driven target practice. We quickly turned and got back into our stride.

Down a short track and we were soon in the sheltered area of a small wooded area before entering into the large orchard full of fruit laden trees of Greenway Fuit Farm. Firstly pears, then apples and some plums. Rows of cherry trees were captured in nets to stop tempting birds to devour the produce. But not only the sight but the smell of fresh fruit permeated the fields as we walked, and the large pylons towered over the entire area.

We arrived on the lane and walked a short distance to another field where normally horses are grazing. However today, there were no livestock and the following field only had a collection of large circular black plastic bundles of hay, grazing quietly. To the north the views of the Weald were illuminated by cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine.

We crossed over the main Cowbeech road and entered more fields. This time crops of sweetcorn were in partial growth with no sign of cob development yet. We again entered another small wooded area (Little Gensing Wood) which we surmised was being used to cultivate chestnut trees for using as stakes. We found a small area of cut logs where we then sat and took on fluids and a small snack.

We crossed another field before walking down the long drive of Blackford Farm. Through the heart of the farm and out the other side along a concrete drive, we turned right and came out to cross our last challenge, whilst looking at what appeared to be 2 large soaring birds of prey, the name of which escaped us all even though we had several good guesses. The challenge that lay ahead of us was not just a field of new growth of grass, but in it was a tractor, spreading fountains of liquid manure. Thankfully he had gone to the top end of the field, however we had to encounter the area of field over which he had just spread the contents of the trailer. The aroma was noticeable and was in complete contrast to the more pleasant and distinct fragrance of the fruit farm. In fear of both our lives and the tractor returning, we hastily walked to the gate through which we could escape the perils of further muck spreading.

Our final half mile back to the pub was a simple trek along the road which connected Cowbeech to Vines Cross (Hammer Lane). We arrived at the car to discover (just by chance) that the pub was open for business. It seemed only right to take a beverage there, as they'd be kind enough to provide their car park to us. Re-hydration was accomplished within half hour unlike our 2 hour, 4.5 mile stroll.
I'll drink to that!