Pilgrims Way & Medway Towpath meanderings

Cycle ride along the Pilgrims Way through Detling & Boxley, then back along the Medway towpath to Maidstone [Photos courtesy of my son, Edward].

This is a photo from the Pilgrims Way at Boxley looking over a recently established vineyard towards Maidstone. The Pilgrims Way is a prehistoric route which runs along the foot of the N. Downs escarpment & connects the Channel ports with chalk heartlands of Wessex.

Common rock rose growing by the roadside. It is common on chalky soils.

Purple toadflax. A non-native species from S. Europe.

The White Horse Stone sited in woodland near the Pilgrims Way on the Boxley/Aylesford border. It is a large upright sarsen which is possibly part of a Neolithic burial chamber. It is the fabled site where the Jutish leaders Hengist & Horsa raised their standard before the battle at Aylesford in 445AD against the British king Vortigern. Horsa got  killed during the battle & his body was said to have been brought here.

Entrance to the tunnel at Blue Bell Hill where the Channel Tunnel Railway goes under the N. Downs.

The hospitium of Boxley Abbey which is all that remains of the Cistercian monastery dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537 during the Reformation. The roof has been repaired recently following damage caused by thieves stealing roof tiles.

St. Andrews Chapel, Boarley Lane. A 15th century chapel with priests lodging & part of Boxley Abbey. Reputedly there is a secret tunnel connecting it with the Abbey. Latterly a post office & private residence it is now under renovation.

House boats line the Medway towpath near Allington Lock.