A good turnout of18 for this further away walk; those on the high speed train just made it across the platforms at Ashford to join the throng coming from London Bridge. It was sunny with a stiff breeze on top of the downs . I think 13 ate at the Tiger Inn at Stowting, with the rest of us deciding the church was too far and picnicked in a nearby field. Most of us had a drink in the pub but as it was 2 o'clock and we had a long way to go, we decided to press on so I don't know how the pub lunchers got on.

Three of us walked together in the afternoon, making better than expected progress on the easy track for most of way. One had sped off, not to be seen again, and the other who we thought was ahead eventually caught us up muttering about a wrong turning. We spent some time investigating the Wye Crown before getting to Wye, surprised to find ourselves with seconds to spare before the 1652 train. Nature note - lots of bee orchids!

I believe it was 13 for lunch in the Tiger, yes, on two tables. Lovely pub, and speaking personally, I thought lovely food too. Barbecue ribs with a Korean twist: very nice

In the afternoon two of us got left behind the main pack due to nature spotting, but to our pleasant surprise the rest of the party stopped at the top of the Devil's Kneading Trough (or whatever the thing is called) and had a sit-down, so we caught up. We then had a pleasant ridge walk to Wye and let one train go to have a drink in the garden of the Tickled Trout - a slightly chilly one, as it was not as warm an evening as it might have been.

Only one had a paddle (me).

More nature notes: I heard practically my first yellowhammers of the year while we were having our sit-down on the downs, and I was very pleased to see swifts flying overhead as we drank in the pub garden: last year they seemed to be totally absent in the south east, so it is nice to see them back. (This in fact makes two weeks in a row that I have seen them on a Saturday walk.)

There was anguished internal debate for those few of us who had high speed train tickets about whether to join the majority on the slow train (actually, not so slow, given that the high speed train entailed a 22 minute wait at Ashford). In the end the promise of wine, tortilla chips and houmous won the day, and nine of us produced a cheerful three tables-worth of chatter all the way back to London. (Not so cheerful if you were anyone else in the carriage, maybe...)

Though I say so myself, as the walk poster, this was a beautiful walk, in achingly lovely scenery, the buttercups so rich and intense it was hard to believe, the hawthorn bushes still smothered in white. This is possibly the most perfect of all the downland walks, with magnificent views throughout. Gorgeous sunshine too, tempered at times by a cooling breeze, which was mostly just refreshing.

There were some adventures getting there and back, however. I got to St Pancras unexpectedly early, at 8.45, and already it was like Paris before the Germans arrived - ie very busy. Thankfully Southeastern put on a 12 coach train, but you had to be on the platform when it arrived to get a seat. It left late, which meant we arrived at Ashford with just two minutes to make the connection. And the connecting train was unusually on the opposite side of the station. Two walkers failed to connect successfully and got a later train. One did connect, but decided at the last minute to go to Deal instead. The slow train - the one we connected to - was also very busy.

After all this, 12 assembled on peaceful Sandling station. We enjoyed a very pleasant morning in the conditions described above. On the escarpment above Stowting two got involved in helping a mentally distressed person and got left behind, but caught us up at the Tiger Inn. This has been much expanded - it is now quite capacious - and perhaps for this reason seemed much less busy than it used to be. They insisted we ordered at the table, and the vegan main had scanty portions, but otherwise seven of us had a very pleasant al fresco lunch, with one picknicker joining us for a drink.

After lunch we crossed the road into a field and found the two who had missed the connection picnicking in tall buttercups like a scene from a Monet painting. We also met two younger walkers here who were doing the same walk independently, using the SWC directions, and who we invited to join us. They stayed with us for the rest of the day, so I make so bold as to claim 16 on the walk in all.

Mid afternoon we had a sit down above the Devil’s Kneading Trough (or whatever it is called). All that wanted for perfection was a tea van. None was available but as we neared Wye we were in eager anticipation of a nice riverside drink in the Tickled Trout.

Alas, they were having a noisy wedding in the garden. Never was disappointment more cruel! So most of us got the 17.47 train. Those of us who changed at Ashford for the high speed at least got tea or cans of beer there. But the train to London was very full. I think we did all get seats, but with difficulty.

What is the best Return Ticket to get and ask for as I am a little bit confused there?

There isnt a simple answer Marc.

I would say the best option is a return to Sandling plus a single back from Wye to Ashford..

On balance Id say its better to get the Hispeed from St Pancras plus a single from Wye to Ashford '......But read on.

Its cheaper to travel out from Victoria but Its faster on the Hi Speed, particularly coming back to London

A return from Victoria to Sandling is £30 .10 (£19.90 with Travel card) plus £4.60 /£3 with card from Wye to Ashford

A return on the High speed from St Pancras costs £37.10 (24.40 with travel card) plus £4.60 / £3 from Wye.

The reason I think its best to get that single from Wye is because you cant be certain they'll accept a Sandling return on the bus at Wye . This could cause further.delay. to your journey. But it is only what I tnink. I haven't got a degree in trainology.

If you got Advance tickets (which are still available ) You could get a single from Victoria to Sandling for £5.70 plus a single from Wye to London for £5.10, There are also reduced advance tickets on the High Speed( about £11 each way)

The difficulty with advance tickets is you have to say what time trains you're going to get - easy to say going out,- not so not easy coming back

A select band of6 exited the train at Sandling, others perhaps put off by adverse weather forecasts (inaccurate) or reports of rail replacement buses (on time and swift - if a little crowded.) Having all asked each other "where is everyone?" and discovered that two of our group had the same forename (what are the odds?) we set off on this beautiful, airy, high-level walk along the North Downs under high cloud and warm breezes , first tackling the climb up from the long-disused Sandling branch line to the top of the tunnel portal and then an equally steep but longer ascent of Tolhurst Hill to be rewarded, as always, with views right across Romney Marsh to the vague outlines of what's left of Dungeness nuclear power stations. Now being decommissioned. And to think, I remember them being built.

Miles of glorious hilltop walking were interrupted by a picnic stop just before Stowting (pronounced "Stowting") for four of us and then a leisurely pint at the newly-revamped (and very popular) Tiger Inn with the other two, who had declined lunch (probably having seen the prices on the menu.)

A short, steep climb took us back up to the Downs (whose name, incidentally, derives from the Celtic "Dun" meaning fortified place) and more long views over the Kent countryside, with markedly less oil-seed rape apparent than in previous years. A comparatively gentle stroll was only slightly marred by a missed (unmarked) 90 degree turn off a country lane, mainly because we were all chatting among ourselves, but, soon rectified, we approached Wye under soft and gentle rain which soon eased off. The non-lunching two opted for a late lunch at the Tickled Trout, always a welcome end to this walk, the others caught the bus to Ashford and trains home. As always, a pleasant outing in good company.

Any short cut options please?

No, apart from the one mentioned in the walk post.

Changing at Ashford, there were 4 other SWCers on the platform, and we were then all surprised when during the 9 minute journey on the connecting train, there were raindrops hitting the windows! How dare they, this was not forecast!

The rain lasted only for about 20 minutes after the walk's start, and most of that we were in the woods, so let's forget about it. For the rest of the walk it was grey and overcast with occasional sunny breaks.

There were plenty of bluebells in those early woods, if just slightly past their peak (and some more in better state in that small wooded patch just b4 Farthing Common). Wild Garlic was present in several places and buttercups were practically everywhere.

The wind (and quite some wind it was) was blowing in from the left behind all day, so wasn't a nuisance at all. All in, not bad for a walk in November... (oh, it's May, is it?).

Passing the Tiger Inn, there were indeed about 10 workers on site, seemingly halfway through a grand inside and outside complete refurb of that pub (and it's looking promising).

On to the Five Bells then for the 4 lunchers (all on tarmac lanes as per the walk directions, although there seem to be footpath alternatives possible through the open countryside w/o adding any kilometerage?). We arrived 4 minutes before the booked time, and were quickly ushered to our table. This was then one of the rare (if not only) moments on a group walk I remember when the whole group agreed that all and any item on the menu sounded interesting, tasty and needed to be eaten. Now, we did not order all and everything of course, but what we ordered was all that was hoped for. Recommended. Very recommended.

The rest was a relative doddle, mainly escarpment paths with grand views (did I mention that we could see not only Dungeness and the Fire Hills between Rye and Hastings, but also France!?), and then we had about half an hour in Wye to waste before the 18.18. Cue the Tickled Trout, or so we thought. Only they had a Band Night on and all seats (inside and out) were fully booked. Baah! At least Wye Station has a waiting room...

Later I found out (by text) that 1 other had overnighted in Hythe and had done some of the route a bit later than us while bumping into another Sunday regular en route (off a later train).

7 windy and grey but dry

I was one of the "Sunday 6" and can confirm the glorious carpets of buttercups and the overall brilliance of this walk. Just before you descend into Wye there is a seat overlooking superb views and I can remember many tears ago when quite a large SWC group had a rest and a snooze here before descending to Wye and drinks at the Tickled Trou which also has delicious (but not home made) cakes. Hope the weather is good and clear for you as this really enhances the views.

34 on this walk - 32 at the start and (at least) two late starters - with most, I think, getting the normal train rather than the high speed one. Weather: sunny and hot , though with the heat a bit mitigated by high cloud in the afternoon. Perhaps a walk with more shade might have been nice, but who was complaining? Glorious weather, glorious scenery, a glorious time of year. The countryside an eye-aching green with not a trace of brown or seediness or decay - excepting perhaps some ash trees that looked to be affected by die-back. Lots of buttercups everywhere. Common blue and small heath butterflies throughout. Swifts screaming over Wye at the end. Remember, oh remember, days like this.

The group got very split up very early on. Some went off at warp speed, leaving three of us trailing far behind. On we walked across the lonely hills with not a soul in sight ahead nor behind. But later it transpired we were in the middle not at the back. A refugee group apparently got to the lunch pub even later than we did and took a taxi from there at 4pm.

The Tiger Inn was as lovely as ever: pleasantly busy but not overcrowded; cheerful and friendly. No sucking of teeth or warnings about how long food would take to come. A convivial meal in the cool shade on a hot patio. In my mind’s eye it is always a sunny day in early June at this pub.

A tea stop before the end of the walk would have been nice, but it was not to be. Some of us had a sit instead on the lip of the Devil’s Kneading Trough, or whatever it is called. Then down to Wye and the Tickled Trout and beer, tea, ice cream and a paddle for three of us in the cool stream. Some took the 18.54 train, which was delayed; the rest took the 19.20, which wasn’t.

"Remember, oh remember, days like this."

Couldn't put it better - and I think we all will. (One of the three trailing far behind.)

6 (further comments from DC?)

The Tiger Inn appears to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3 off the Javelin train from St Pancras, 1 off the service from Charing X, and 1 by car, so I make that 5 on our outing in Kent.

mostly sunny and warm to hot with a cooling breeze on top of the Downs , near perfect summer walking conditions for this walk along a hilly, downs section of the North Downs Way.

3 stopped at the closed Tiger Inn to make use of their outdoor seating whilst eating their sandwiches, leaving 2 of us to walk along the road to the Five Bells Inn in Brabourne, which served us excellent lunches. I can highly recommend this customer - and walker - friendly pub, with its comfortable internal and external seating areas, good choice of beers- and ciders - and a good choice of home cooked food from an extensive menu.

One of the sandwichers joined us for the afternoon leg (the other two having continued post prandial along the main route) and the sun came out again after the skies briefly threatened us with a storm during our lunch break.

More lovely views from the top of the Crundale Downs, then the descent to Wye. A swift half in the Tickled Trout, then home on the 17-52, arriving back at St Pancras at 19-00 hrs.

This walk is suitably demanding in length and climbs to give one a really good workout whilst providing walkers with lovely panoramic views along most of its route, and especially enjoyable on a nice summers day.

Looks like the Cannon Street train is now starting at Victoria at 9.30 NOT CANNON STREET

Thanks I tried to double check train times yesterday but was having problems with journey planner.

10 Warm and sunny , Summer is back. For many this is in the top 10 of the SWC walks with very fine views all along the North Downs Way. Looking back towards Folkestone the sea was blue and the sky clear enough to see France. A walker has sensibly booked a table at the The Tiger and we had a choice of inside or outside seating. Food was excellent and promptly served. The staff kindly brought an umbrella to shade the outdoor eaters. We all stopped at the Tickled Trout for refreshment and a few stayed on for a later train.

8 on this walk. The gloomy weather forecast was only part right: we had two very heavy showers but otherwise lots of sun . The second shower was a rather magnificent hailstorm which produced wonderfully misty light effects on the valley below as it passed, also providing a good test for winter walking gear (which some items failed.....). But for the most part this was a fine day out on a fine downland ridge.

The forecast meant the Tiger Inn in Stowting was not as busy as it might have been, though it was still far from empty. It is always a pleasure to eat at this friendly pub. In the afternoon we met two young Swedes who had started their walk at 7.30 am in Dover, which put us in our place. In Wye we optimistically sat in the garden as dusk fell, but were forced inside by the evening chill after one drink. Autumn is here!

By a spooky coincidence I was in the Wye area on Sunday 1 May and took the opportunity to check the directions at point 57. I can confirm that the permissive route that took you closer to the escarpment at point 57 in the directions has indeed been closed. But the NDW route is also perfectly pleasant, if with less striking views, and you soon come to the escarpment edge by this route.

The pdf directions

http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_3/walk_24/SWC_Walk_24_Sandling_to_Wye.pdf

have now been updated (2 May version) to reflect this change and give full details of the NDW route.

I can also confirm that the early tea stop at the Devil's Kneading Trough has gone: it is now a wedding venue. The Latte e Miele cafe in Wye is now the Wye Coffee Shop and Kitchen, but it closes at 3pm on Sundays so is unlikely to be of use to any of us. The Tickled Trout pub flourishes, however and its riverside garden is as pleasant as ever.

Fans of oilseed rape might also like to know that the fields along the base of the escarpment as you approach Wye are currently a feast of this lovely yellow crop. See

https://www.flickr.com/photos/46429541@N02/26774468675/

and

https://www.flickr.com/photos/46429541@N02/26749299046/in/photostream/

Intend going via Waterloo East

9 on this walk; 6 off the train and 3 others we met up with en route. This is the best NDW walk in the SWC repertoire with glorious views throughout and the countryside looking lush and verdant in glorious hot and sunny weather. Three of us had our sandwich lunch on the hill overlooking the village and it was tough to tear ourselves away to amble down to the village to the Tiger pub to meet the others.

We split up after lunch with 3 enjoying a "long" lunch whilst the rest of us enjoyed the superb ridge views on the way back to Wye. A final refreshing drink at the Tickled Trout whose policy of having live music on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon does not seem to work when 98% of their customers are lounging in the lovely garden by the river. They stopped after 2 numbers of blues rock.

Superb day out in great company. (Finally saw loads of youngsters doing the Duke of Eds silver award and we, ahem, provided a little confirmation of the onward route to one group.)

Superb walk indeed. The 3 long lunchers eventually made it to Wye, only to be drummed out of the garden at the Tickled Trout by some ghastly band. Most trains cancelled due to signal failure so home on the 18.50 which was packed full with many passengers standing for the duration.

I feel your pain regarding the ghastly band. I had the same experience the Sunday previous. Got to the pub, bought my drink and peanuts, settled happily into a chair by the sunny riverside to listen to the evening birds and then BAM! Not one of the TT's more inspired ideas for summer Sundays.

I've e-mailed the Tickled Trout very politely suggesting they reconsider their music policy on summer Sundays

After enduring the loud rock music with horrible female singer trying to sing Elvis Presley, we found that Signal failure on the line affecting all trains to and from Victoria and Charing X. This meant the 3 Epicureans who had spent 2 hours consuming a fantastic lunch with amazing Yorvale ice-cream and coffee had to pile onto the high speed train- standing room only as far as Ashford. I used the interchange at Stratford to access the Jubilee line but it involves a long 10 mins walk towards Waitrose and then the whole length of Westfield shopping centre with hardly any signage to guide you! A quicker option if you don't want to continue to St Pancras however.

nice post ty

9 on this walk; me and eight women. sunny but with cool breeze at times . After a brief meeting and vote (5 to 3) I was invited to accompany the newly formed SWC feminist, collective walking group and we all enjoyed a glorious day out on this most beautiful section of the North Downs with its spectacular views. 5 of us took lunch at the recommended picnic spot before we all met up again at the Tiger Inn (excellent)for drinks where we managed to bag a large outside table in the sun for all 9 of us.

In the afternoon we enjoyed more fine views of the rolling downs and distant plains in the glowing autumn light. One walker checked out a possible early tea stop but later reported it was not open. The rest of us marched on to Wye where most went straight to the station for the 16.57 train whilst 2 of us had a quick drink at the Tickled Trout (which I have to say needs a bit of a make-over as its looking a bit tired) and caught a later train. A superb SWC day out.