Day SIX: Rochester to Thurnham

This is a short day for me and not too much up and down the ridge. The first stop after Rochester is Kit's Coty House. I would like to be able to say there was a story of an eccentric hermit who lived here but this is part of an ancient burial chamber. What it lacks in juicy history it makes up for in age as it dates from around 3,000 BC and the Neolithic period and Britain's early farming communities.

Kit's Coty House

Access to paths and cycle routes is excellent in Kent and I share the way with the national Cycle Network (route 17) for some of the way. 

Millennium sculpture; National Cycle Network

More woodland walks and a more encouraging marker showing me that at 79 miles I am over half way.

79 miles walked

Approaching Thurnham I have time to spare so head up to the castle. Leaving the main path for 200 meters challenges my abilities at navigation and I end up in a country park and come across a sculpture comprising two pillars stuck with 11,000 arrows, each hand crafted. This is a monument to Hymenisyphus froxineus, or ash dieback.

Sculpture recognizing ash dieback

When I finally find Thurnham Castle there are a few remains, maybe more than you would expect from a structure whose records begin in 1225, though it is likely to be older still.

Thurnham Castle

Day 7: Thurnham to Wye