Day 6b - Oxted to Nutfield

The route (all links open in a new window)
Start point: Sevenoaks
Distance: 20 miles (22 miles with route alterations)


NOTE: Day 6 is Sevenoaks to Nutfield. Details for the whole day are shown above. If you decide to do this in 2 parts, the Oxted break is described in the accompanying video for this day

I was continuing this walk from Sevenoaks so I was a little fatigued at this point but still in high spirits. Although the walk took me through the center of Oxted I can say it never felt like I was actually in a built-up area. The trail ducked and dived past old buildings, fields and woodland. I took the opportunity to reflect on life, the universe, and everything. As explained in the video, I should be, and I am, thankful to my parents for ensuring I had an outdoorsy upbringing. Even though I likely put up much resistance to excursions back in the day, I think that has put me in good stead for life and I really do appreciate what my parents did. The gift of the great outdoors is a great gift that keeps on giving.

This part of the walk was all downhill so it was a nice relaxing jaunt to a meadow where I pitched up and cooked some food for lunch. An idyllic pasture normally set aside for horses but today it was all mine.

Possibly the best picnic spot ever


Refueled, I set off once again and within a few miles I bumped into a group of retirees who were out enjoying a walk of their own. The keenest was a gentleman sensibly using an umbrella to shield himself from the sweltering sun. I had just passed a pub called the Barley Mow so I assume he was making hankering for a refreshing beverage!

As you may be aware, I have a penchant for trees. Without getting too 'hippy' they are our life force. They are our planets lungs and they are often an afterthought in our developing world (although this attitude is changing thankfully). It was a surprise to see this big old tree, which looked healthy apart from being on its side!

This big fella had felled his last


The rest of the day was a relatively lazy, undulating stroll to Nutfield where a train awaited. The scenery had been such a delight, I feel very privileged every time I am amongst nature. It really is a beautiful planet and I'm only able to see a miniscule amount of that beauty in one viewing. What awaits me on day 7? We shall see!

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