3 men on a walk 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.