NDW Oxted to Otford
Thanks to the magnificent 7 for a great walk on Friday. Following Bronwen’s advice we took a cab to the top of Botley Hill so we had 11 miles of beautiful walking with only one or 2 short climbs. Within sight, but not sound of the M25, through woods and fields with great views to the South Downs.
Lovely weather so we had a picnic lunch in a sheltered field, and lots of blackberries
We arrived at Otford Station to get train in 5 minutes. I recommend this walk to those of you who missed it, and will try to sort out a North Downs circular for you as the next section is 15 miles! Margaret M
Out: train from Victoria 9.21, Clapham 9.28. Sorry about pre freedom pass start, but next train too late. Joy suggests buying full single to E Croydon and from there use a single from Boundary Zone 6 to Oxted. We will take a taxi from the station to start of the walk approx cost £1.50 each
Back: Frequent trains to various London Stations from Otford.
The route has some climbs and has the noise of the M25 to start but this will be lost fairly early on. It takes in various points of interest including crossing the Meridian from East to West and Chevening
There are various options for leaving earlier eg Knockholt Pound -7 miles-which depends on an infrequent bus to get one to the station or Dunton Green 9 miles (train to Victoria)
After this the trail crosses the M25 to Dunton Green and a further railway station or not much further to Otford.
no suitable pubs so please bring your own packed lunch
this will be our third attempt to do this section of the NDW