3 men on a walk 2016: 2016

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Round up of the 2016 year

2016 overview

We ended up the year doing 35 walks which took us 360 miles of walking; up 41,129 ft of elevation and burning off 38,189 calories. To put this into perspective, this would have taken us from our homes in Kent up to Dunfermline in Scotland. Also our uphill walking was equivalent to just under one & a half trips up mount Everest.

This was slightly down on our normal annual exercise, something we put down to more holidays and us getting older! Still, if we add up our walking prowess over the past five years we have walked 1,865 miles, enough to get us well into Turkey and close to the Syrian border!

But our greatest statistic was that we visited 32 different Pubs!

Here's to 2017 and more new Pubs...

If you are looking for the new 2017 blog you will find it here ...

Link to the new 2017 blog

Welcome to 2016 - a blog of walks by Los 3-Amigo's

A New Year and a new Blog

This blog is a list of walks done by Ivan, Richard & Trevor - mostly across Sussex and Kent but occasionally wider afield.

The three guys have been doing a "Monday Walk" for four years now and previous annual blogs can be found here ...

2015 Walks (3 men on a walk 2015) http://3amigoswalking2015.blogspot.co.uk/

2014 Walks (3 Men on a walk - 2014) http://www.3amigoswalking2014.blogspot.co.uk/

2013 Walks (3 men on a walk - 2013) http://3amigoswalking.blogspot.co.uk/

2012 walks (Three men on a walk) http://wealdway.blogspot.co.uk/

Richard - Ivan - Trevor

Trevor - Richard - Ivan

At the end of each walk entry you will find full details of the route we took including a link to the route on Google Earth (a KML file) plus stats for the walk such as length; ascent and average speed. If you "click" on any picture it will enlarge and in some browsers, you can also step through all the photos in one go.

Enjoy reading our exploits and here's to continued good weather each Monday in 2016

Monday, 19 December 2016

Another misty day in the Weald

Toy's Hill; Ide Hill and Sundridge loop

Still mostly dry but the "heavy" weather continues and the dampness makes it feel colder than it actually is. We needed to get some exercise before the Christmas break and this walk with three pretty big hills on it seemed like a good idea.

We parked up at Goathurst Common and walked eastwards along the Greensand Ridge trail before turning north towards Sundridge. This side of the walk was mostly downhill and we ambled along in mixed woodland and open countryside until we reached Sundridge Church. Then the turn southwards led to a moderate but long climb up to Emmetts and then down and up again to the top of Toy's hill where thankfully the "Fox & Hounds" pub was open for refreshment.

Re-energised, we set about the last few miles which took us down Toy's Hill and then up Ide Hill, not the sort of thing one needs after a pint! Still it no doubt did us good and we felt righteous as we passed through Ide Hill Village and onto the car a mile further on. Hardly any point in taking photos today as we could only see 100 yds or so.

Stats for the walk were ...

Finished Hike: 19 Dec 2016, 14:21:40

Route: Toys Hill - Sundridge 8.6

Weather:

temperature	6°C
humidity	100%
wind	2 mph N

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161219-1008

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161219-1008.kml

Hike Time: 2:59:08

Stopped Time: 1:13:41

Distance: 8.60 miles

Average: 2.9 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 14:30 min/mile

Ascent: 1027

Descent: 1021

Calories: 916

Monday, 12 December 2016

A quick loop around Buxted

High Hurstwood to Buxted loop

We had hoped for a decent walk up on the South Downs but the weather forecast included words like mist, low cloud, light rain, showers in the afternoon etc. so we had a quick change of plan and came up with this 7.5 mile loop from High Hurstwood, a small village just south of Crowborough.

It was a good choice although muddier than of late under-foot. And the weather forecast was pretty accurate and we did get caught in a couple of light showers. Still we finished the loop by 12-45pm and drove back to the "Crow and Gate" pub for lunch. On exiting the weather had really closed in so we had made a good choice on timing and managed to walk in the best the day had to offer.

It wasn't worth getting the camera out today as all we could have shown were misty fields and rain but here is the lunch stop!

Stats for the day were ...

Finished Hike: 12 Dec 2016, 13:02:37

Route: High Hurstwood loop

Weather:

temperature	8°C
humidity	93%
wind	9 mph SSE

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161212-1053

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161212-1053.kml

Hike Time: 2:32:38

Stopped Time: 13:01

Distance: 7.50 miles

Average: 2.95 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 14:23 min/mile

Ascent: 510

Descent: 505

Calories: 753

Monday, 5 December 2016

Mark Beech circular via Chiddingstone Hoath

Mark Beech - Hever - Chiddingstone Hoath - Cowden

We have walked most bits of this loop before but it being a wonderful frosty winter day we decided it was just right for this time of year. A heavy frost lay on the ground that only disappeared in the sunniest of spots. The plan was to park up at the "Kentish Horse" pub at Mark Beech and walk the entire 9 mile loop before disappearing into this great little pub for lunch. However, a sign said they had a private party on that day and so beer but no food would be served. This didn't really matter to us because we completed the full walk then jumped into the car and headed off for one of the several other wonderful Inns in the villages close by. We chose "The Henry VIII" at Hever and it was great.

Our walk took us north from Mark Beech to the ancient village of Hever where we picked up the Eden Valley Trail and followed it East for about 3 miles before turning SW towards Chiddingstone Hoath and Cowden Station. From here it was a one mile pull back up the hill to the car at Mark Beech.

The heavy frosts of the past two weeks have definitely killed off any remaining Autumn colour but the brown leaves are still clinging to the trees in some places.

What's left of Autumn 2016

Hever Church

One of the old "Drover" lanes that cris-cross the weald

Sheep are being fattened up for the Lambing Season

The Henry Viii Pub outside Hever Castle where Ann Boleyn was wooed - in the castle silly, not the Pub!

Lunch Stop

Stats for the walk were ...

Finished Hike: 5 Dec 2016, 13:16:52

Route: Mark Beech Loop

Weather:

temperature	7°C
humidity	87%
wind	2 mph N

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161205-0944

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161205-0944.kml

Hike Time: 3:03:50

Stopped Time: 11:51

Distance: 9.38 miles

Average: 3.06 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 15:08 min/mile

Ascent: 1475

Descent: 1485

Calories: 1016

Monday, 28 November 2016

Limpsfield to Westerham via Chartwell

Limpsfield common loop via Chartwell

A most glorious winters day was promised and delivered and it was great to be out on this cold but sunny day. As Ivan was visiting Fidel Castro's funeral it was only Trevor and myself today and we scoffed at Ivan having to be on a Caribbean Island drinking cocktails whilst we were having such fun walking the Surrey Hills and drinking real man-beers!

We parked up at Limpsfield Common and set out walking anti-clockwise which took us down the North Downs escarpment and then along to the pretty village of Crockham Hill. The only trouble with walking down the hill first is that sooner or later you have to walk back up it and in places this walk was very steep indeed. On such a lovely sunny day we had great views from the top of the downs and again later on across the Westerham valley.

This Autumn continues to amaze us as we are about to reach the end of November and the trees are still holding their Autumn colours and today we even saw an Oak tree with green leaves in place.

Reaching Westerham we decided to forsake our old friend "The George and Dragon" and instead try a little old pub on the outskirts of the town called "The General Wolfe" for a change. This very old and quaint pub turned out pretty good and we had a slap-up lunch and a drink in peace before setting out for the last couple of miles up the hill to Limpsfield and the car.

Limpsfield Church

Llamas !

Autumn is still here

Lunch Stop

Stats for the day were...

Finished Hike: 28 Nov 2016, 15:09:21

Route: Limpsfield loop

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161128-1008

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161128-1008.kml

Hike Time: 2:48:13

Stopped Time: 51:01

Distance: 8.67 miles

Average: 3.1 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 13:40 min/mile

Ascent: 774

Descent: 798

Calories: 894

Monday, 14 November 2016

Around Leeds Castle

Langley - Broomfield - Leeds loop

The weather forecast showed a damp grey day but with a bit of a window of opportunity from 10-00am to 2-00pm and as it turned out it was pretty accurate and we timed our walk perfectly and didn't get wet at all.

Autumn is still not over and some of the trees are still hanging on to their colourful leaves even with only 5 weeks to go to Christmas. I don't think I have known such a late Autumn.

This walk was plotted directly from the map and so we had no idea what it would be like but it turned out to be a very good trek on mostly good paths with only a few muddy patches. It also took in woodland; open fields and the wonderful view of Leeds Castle as we walked through their grounds. Lunch was at "The George Inn" in Leeds Village and this too was an excellent stop.

Unfortunately the Walkmeter decided not to start after lunch (no, it wasn't the lunchtime pint that affected it!) so the stats are a bit of an estimate.

A Grey day in the Kent countryside

Broomfield Church

The old well at Broomfield

Leeds Castle from across the lake

Leeds Castle

Autumn colour still surrounds the Castle

Lunch Stop!

Stats for the day were...

Finished Hike: 14 Nov 2016, 14:25:49

Route: Leeds Castle loop

Weather:

temperature	9°C
humidity	87%
wind	9 mph SSW

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161114-1033

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161114-1033.kml

Hike Time: 1:40:23

Stopped Time: 2:12:13

Distance: 8.05 miles

Average: 19:53 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 10:44 min/mile

Ascent: 802

Descent: 905

Calories: 840

Tuesday, 1 November 2016

Boars Head Loop

Boars Head and around the Crowborough woods

We had an early start because Ivan needed to get his eyes tested in the afternoon so we needed to finish our hike by 12-30 latest. But as it turned out it was such a wonderful bright day that starting our walk at 9-00 am was exactly the right thing to do.

Ivan had plotted this loop route and at 9 miles / 3 hrs it fitted into our timetable perfectly - that was until we had a small "deviation" from the planned route that added in an extra 15 mins walk-time! Well forest tracks all look the same don't they?

There seemed to be lots of Buzzards about today - we saw at least 5 and we also had a fleeting glimpse of a deer.

Across the High Weald

A beautiful Autumn Day

Stats for the day were ...

Finished Hike: 31 Oct 2016, 12:20:02

Route: Boarshead loop

Weather:

temperature	14°C
humidity	94%
wind	2 mph N

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161031-0859

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161031-0859.kml

Hike Time: 3:01:06

Stopped Time: 18:51

Distance: 9.03 miles

Average: 3.0 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 12:19 min/mile

Ascent: 1889

Descent: 1921

Calories: 1003

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Around the Mereworth Woods

Offham - Basted - Platt loop

Still a marvelous Autumn weather period for us and with temperatures in the low-teens and no rain this was a great walk day.

Parking up at the pretty village of Offham we set forth Southward into Mere Woods, a massive tranche of managed woodland and we stayed within it for the first 4 miles or so. Venturing out into the sunshine the path took us West to Plaxtol and onward to Basted then NE to another small village called Platt where lunch at "The Anchor" awaited us. Why they named a pub the Anchor when we are miles from sea or river I don't know but it was a lovely pub and the refreshment excellent.

As usual it was a big uphill walk after lunch for the 3 miles back through woodland to the car. The Autumn colours are now really begging to show on the trees and we spotted several groups of Fungi - one a beautiful ring of Fairy Toadstools. In fact, the Fairy Queen invited Trevor to try out her new Duvet but he said he didn't have a minute to spare !

The Fairy Village

Lunch stop in Platt

Offham village green

Stats for the day were ...

Finished Hike: 25 Oct 2016, 14:36:32

Route: Offham loop

Weather:

temperature	12°C
humidity	88%
wind	3 mph N

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161025-0954

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161025-0954.kml

Hike Time: 3:42:53

Stopped Time: 59:11

Distance: 11.23 miles

Average: 3.03 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 12:50 min/mile

Ascent: 1665

Descent: 1714

Calories: 1214

Monday, 17 October 2016

Titsey to Tatsfield

Titsey place loop via Woldingham and Tatsfield

Heavy rain over the weekend left us with a nice Autumn day, a bit wet underfoot in places and just a few light showers - perfect for a nice walk up the North Downs! We are finding it ever more difficult to walk in new areas but this sector just north of the M25 is an area we have yet to explore and the walk turned out to be excellent and not a little challenging in places.

We parked up at a small car park on a private estate called "Titsey Place" - a grand house and estate once belonging to the local Squire of Limpsfield. The tracks were well marked and access good on the estate and we basically followed the North Downs Way escarpment west until we exited the estate woodland. We then had a real heavy climb up the Downs escarpment before levelling out on top and following a good track north towards Woldingham. This section of the walk was on our old friend the Vanguard Way, a section entirely new to us.

From Woldingham we turned East, arriving at the small village of Tatsfield where there was a pub but it was being renovated! A mile or so past here we again picked up the North Downs Way which we followed westward until we reached the car. Not having any lunch-stop en-route we quickly drove to "The Aperfield" pub, a few mins down the road for refreshment!

The North Downs Way with its Autumnal sunlight

Looking out across the M25 from the NDW

Hill looming!

The very steep climb up the North Downs

Autumn colours just starting to show on the trees

Ivan hanging about with us!

The Chain-Saw Massacre gang in new team colours - courtesy of Mrs Knight

Lunch stop - The Aperfield Inn

Stats for the day were...

Finished Hike: 17 Oct 2016, 13:36:13

Route: Titsey to Tatsfield
Weather:

temperature	15°C
humidity	94%
wind	12 mph SSW

Explorer Link: http://walkmeter.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Hike-20161017-1017

Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/818ee85cf2cf57d1/Walkmeter-Hike-20161017-1017.kml

Hike Time: 2:52:19

Stopped Time: 26:33

Distance: 8.59 miles

Average: 3.0 mile per hr

Fastest Pace: 14:18 min/mile

Ascent: 1774

Descent: 1818

Calories: 937

Monday, 3 October 2016

Through the apple orchards of Kent

Matfield to Horsmonden via the Apple Orchards

What a wonderful Autumn day for a walk and meandering through the orchards of Kent made it even more so. We had walked at least 60% of this loop before but Ivan had added in an extra section to Horsmonden and surprise, surprise, we found a pub there which was a new addition to our list.

We parked up at Maatfield and set out to Brenchley and ten Castle Hill before turning South towards Horsmonden where the aptly named "Gun and Spitroast" fed and watered us.

After lunch we walked a mile or so South to pick up the "High Weald Landscape Trail" which we then followed back up to Brenchley and then onto Matfield and the cars.

The Orchards are currently bursting with fruit waiting to be picked and at a few sites we saw that picking was well underway. It was a joy to walk through these wonderful fields in the Autumn sunshine.