Blog Tracker
28-05-2023, 23:30
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/05/tunbridge-wells-circular-walk-stage-2.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisipxCcQ6iyIptSvExPm-3eFjdhCuoLbB6D0u2kQBKH720HtoKrDZVXdqTnt0iDMjvoca8i b1CUEPbZieWMJL4QtmkyW_tOXuf18_15nSpi3TZNqdYNji09lq SQbJQ_Vdh-AzYxc1RQp8zkXV-KpAyYiv6ODgp2PDvYTKTPXKRxrYBed0DAbZ9wG6c/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_111213.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisipxCcQ6iyIptSvExPm-3eFjdhCuoLbB6D0u2kQBKH720HtoKrDZVXdqTnt0iDMjvoca8i b1CUEPbZieWMJL4QtmkyW_tOXuf18_15nSpi3TZNqdYNji09lq SQbJQ_Vdh-AzYxc1RQp8zkXV-KpAyYiv6ODgp2PDvYTKTPXKRxrYBed0DAbZ9wG6c/s4000/IMG_20230526_111213.jpg)
Following on from last week’s ramble, on Friday I decided toknock off another stage of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. It was a rushed,and for me quite hasty decision, but with the weather set fair, and Mrs PBT’stied up with a tax return, on behalf of yet another jobbing builder, it seemed agood idea. So, after a hasty breakfast, I donned my trusty walking boots,grabbed my walking stick, and headed along to the bus stop.In my haste, I’d forgotten to pack a hat, and I’d alsoneglected to apply my knee brace. I realised both omissions, as I wasapproaching the bus stop, but with the direct service to Pembury, only runningon an hourly basis, there was no time to return and retrieve these forgottenitems. Fortunately, my knee held out, and there was no need for the additionalsupport that a brace provides, but the hat was another matter, and one that I soonregretted.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXQG6ep_KTX5UQtb6kD8UuctrreUheJSB1iEEsrt3P-v2m3tBYBiuFNCPBRMUqzwPXzd2X3D4ftbSC-W4bidvP-Q9WK_dXzlSMjczUdr93xM5iSXO1Krp2XoIxrZyWFhoqjR_qben 70u1nfwUoUR8lAehz8Y802qZB6Ft0N6KNyc4vfjHOYHfjvfq/w400-h225/Arriva%20buses.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXQG6ep_KTX5UQtb6kD8UuctrreUheJSB1iEEsrt3P-v2m3tBYBiuFNCPBRMUqzwPXzd2X3D4ftbSC-W4bidvP-Q9WK_dXzlSMjczUdr93xM5iSXO1Krp2XoIxrZyWFhoqjR_qben 70u1nfwUoUR8lAehz8Y802qZB6Ft0N6KNyc4vfjHOYHfjvfq/s4000/Arriva%20buses.jpg)
The 219 bus deposited me at Pembury Hospital, which hasbecome something of a major bus hub. I noticed a similar situation in Norwich, backin February, when I took a bus out to the Woodland Burial Centre at Colney –see link for explanation. The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital has expandedmassively, since my last visit in 2015 (visiting my mother, shortly before shepassed away in February of that year), and it seems as though all bus servicesheading out of the city, in a westerly direction, make a point of callingthere.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzHtx-ucp_IK1YwgmOkKYDkZdjFAvfh9nYwuyMhFnXAurfd4F8VB_h8U MrcyacwDSPts8phHZXQduKza7lcjikcGE4QamwhxJTJUcXkcgh URHmtMKTZnlgkXxmmm4XiLtc1E5i5FYoTbcqXp6LrXKm7c-fkA5p7FrBmiigmSYDeqTscD504XGBQ6v/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_120616.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzHtx-ucp_IK1YwgmOkKYDkZdjFAvfh9nYwuyMhFnXAurfd4F8VB_h8U MrcyacwDSPts8phHZXQduKza7lcjikcGE4QamwhxJTJUcXkcgh URHmtMKTZnlgkXxmmm4XiLtc1E5i5FYoTbcqXp6LrXKm7c-fkA5p7FrBmiigmSYDeqTscD504XGBQ6v/s4000/IMG_20230526_120616.jpg)
The starting point of my walk was at the other end ofPembury, which meant a one-mile trek before starting on the TWCW, but aftertraversing a field, and then crossing the busy A21 trunk road, by means of a footbridge,I was transported to a different world of mixed woodland and pasture (mainlythe latter). A series of ridges and gently sloping valleys, stretched away infront of me, for as far as the eye could see, and by the time I’d descended thefirst of these valleys, the traffic noise from the A21, had vanished.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPzwqXBQaH1MxKhPOTtegzQoYL2Ze4azMz3ker5C5eZ WSXLTuVEn4SJiUWq72B1IbjOBfbr7DPx2EIi3y4PxEXTqgYyyZ KG8GNB7lXo90ZypK4QJWU59pLLu6DAt6tkxM6U7ETL_gbhzEKX e2lJ0bAjDMdj6KMJxY4gD_1FPd-3Wu92KB7AD4tgJb/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_144038.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPzwqXBQaH1MxKhPOTtegzQoYL2Ze4azMz3ker5C5eZ WSXLTuVEn4SJiUWq72B1IbjOBfbr7DPx2EIi3y4PxEXTqgYyyZ KG8GNB7lXo90ZypK4QJWU59pLLu6DAt6tkxM6U7ETL_gbhzEKX e2lJ0bAjDMdj6KMJxY4gD_1FPd-3Wu92KB7AD4tgJb/s4000/IMG_20230526_144038.jpg)
My objective was to follow the footpath as far as thevillage of Frant, which lies to the south of Tunbridge Wells, enjoy a pint, andpossibly a bite to eat at the George Inn, before catching a couple of buseshome. I have to say that these OAP concessionary travel passes are a realgodsend, when it comes to arranging both hikes in the country, and pub visits,so it’s not all bad growing older. This particular stage was a very doable 5miles, so I was confident of arriving at the George in sufficient time to allowfor a couple of pints, plus a sandwich. I perhaps, should have known better, asthe problem I’d encountered the previous week, namely a poorly signposted routethrough woodland, surfaced again, not once but twice, as I am about to recall.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJpjdt838TeeEu6CatDb7Y1aF52vIAgw7duJ_PlKE9 G8sfc0lB0zFzAiG1XdSQEsJR4bw2FlPUXniLejTlRixurME7Ps N7-eKlYTOWhETt0cP45a0Y3RHN_l56c_kaPoto3_KCWJ3CTXplG9T cpvXng12sHhOR1EVuHNi0HEEcq4iXwdVDS4jEPd/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_134644.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJpjdt838TeeEu6CatDb7Y1aF52vIAgw7duJ_PlKE9 G8sfc0lB0zFzAiG1XdSQEsJR4bw2FlPUXniLejTlRixurME7Ps N7-eKlYTOWhETt0cP45a0Y3RHN_l56c_kaPoto3_KCWJ3CTXplG9T cpvXng12sHhOR1EVuHNi0HEEcq4iXwdVDS4jEPd/s4000/IMG_20230526_134644.jpg)
I’d been making good progress, largely following a concretetrack running between a series of suitably rustic named farms, when the trackled me into the ominously sounding, High Wood. At first, I welcomed theprotective shade that the trees afforded, and I even managed not to miss thepoint where the path did a sharp diversion to the left, but as it disappearedinto increasingly dense woodland, I encountered the first of several instanceswhere those who had first drawn up the TWCW, and the individual who’d writtenthe guidebook, had skimped on the detail, where it mattered most!. There was a clear fork in the path, andwithout the guidance of a way-mark, or instruction in the guide, I took the pathon the left.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLphELpDEZkU_RC2AERnH-biJtPkbW0JEx3HIoxER7Z8Oqw3t3WHnH9m94p_cshekzh4fpFS UAxPKGe3-Wd0jwuxBwCscdfk1FG3BFJX4GMSBAl8t7OT-TnC5XWM6MGQMKkhwH2UOn0IEHw4X03OfoK154lp637Lu2vrm1-GWuAVlHjIkDDDfUQd-A/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_134700.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLphELpDEZkU_RC2AERnH-biJtPkbW0JEx3HIoxER7Z8Oqw3t3WHnH9m94p_cshekzh4fpFS UAxPKGe3-Wd0jwuxBwCscdfk1FG3BFJX4GMSBAl8t7OT-TnC5XWM6MGQMKkhwH2UOn0IEHw4X03OfoK154lp637Lu2vrm1-GWuAVlHjIkDDDfUQd-A/s4000/IMG_20230526_134700.jpg)
With the benefit of that wonderful thing called hindsight, Ishould have taken the other, but after a long descent I reached a road whichfortunately, allowed me to re-join the official route. I was not as luckyfurther on, as turning off the road, to the right of Hawkenbury Farm, the trackplunged into a steep and rather narrow descent. Once again, I began wonderingwhether I was on the right path or not, but fortunately, a TWCW way-mark,indicated that I was. The path itself was rather muddy, despite the recentspell of dry weather, but being churned up by the hooves of countless horses,from the nearby stables, clearly hadn’t helped.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwt8DIxvq1ejUNugU6eKxjYVfBZjSywdbu-s0wlZsxjjbhmyepQ1jS1R1KfTpbZdfScr8UfzVbAhgleDoX5DO vc-h7ObaD9Xc0SB4AH018BV7WYsObb7lkovKNVaS1BShe4ZaPR0wB RRhMsCMDmx-k12JJFmEOcmN0JC2bsvSn4Cn6tmC9iX52kCO/w400-h217/Frant%20churchyard.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwt8DIxvq1ejUNugU6eKxjYVfBZjSywdbu-s0wlZsxjjbhmyepQ1jS1R1KfTpbZdfScr8UfzVbAhgleDoX5DO vc-h7ObaD9Xc0SB4AH018BV7WYsObb7lkovKNVaS1BShe4ZaPR0wB RRhMsCMDmx-k12JJFmEOcmN0JC2bsvSn4Cn6tmC9iX52kCO/s3834/Frant%20churchyard.jpg)
This section of the walk was starting to look familiar froma previous walk, although to my right what at the time were initial earthworks,had now turned into a full-scale housing development. I could see through thetrees, that many of these new houses were already occupied, as I continued inwhat I assumed was the right direction. I was aware from the guidebook that thepath was supposed to take a left turn, but despite keeping a sharp lookout, Isaw no signs indicating this.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF1z_cyHtH2xzyhjK83BDqYCJxoBIwMoJuD4EeR6ZCd J7Tte6hj2bHhNWED_sn6cRmw5fnyIYj-NEUDV1NKzpwmEc1qZRiFhUCKLQ4gm83ceQ5fCfKmpCJfBQ0LKh lKP4hCxPIsot0ieMTNT4uJzBOm0UVAE9VwFKuxIBLPUqRlCOV6 2eYIbYXkmP/w400-h225/George%20front%20ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF1z_cyHtH2xzyhjK83BDqYCJxoBIwMoJuD4EeR6ZCd J7Tte6hj2bHhNWED_sn6cRmw5fnyIYj-NEUDV1NKzpwmEc1qZRiFhUCKLQ4gm83ceQ5fCfKmpCJfBQ0LKh lKP4hCxPIsot0ieMTNT4uJzBOm0UVAE9VwFKuxIBLPUqRlCOV6 2eYIbYXkmP/s3891/George%20front%20ext.jpg)
Eventually I reached what looked like the turning, althoughominously there were no signs or way-marks indicating the TWCW. I bit the bulletand turned to the left. I emerged from the trees into a grassy area, hemmed inon one side by a security fence. The clue I was looking for, was the railwayline, as according to both map and guide, the footpath follows the line for ashort distance. I had heard the noise of a train earlier, so following myinstincts I continued up a grassy bank where I’d caught a glimpse of the typeof metal fencing used to restrict access to the railway.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gQSBDW4WSFomwoMttKvJRR1Eimqa4w7HwsmRjBcXhP zIXI7IwlWW-01e1ExfVVwLw3tdEk-8iKbBH1u6BqMF_4RIrTkqANGT2rgA1YPaIzJCL0huxzM5LrDkR H_CG8eZL9T2gYQGRjoocDZzasjd9Fx-2eEENSkjWFa70uy8iMpD5_Jbd-Pf_StS/w400-h219/George%20Frant%20side.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gQSBDW4WSFomwoMttKvJRR1Eimqa4w7HwsmRjBcXhP zIXI7IwlWW-01e1ExfVVwLw3tdEk-8iKbBH1u6BqMF_4RIrTkqANGT2rgA1YPaIzJCL0huxzM5LrDkR H_CG8eZL9T2gYQGRjoocDZzasjd9Fx-2eEENSkjWFa70uy8iMpD5_Jbd-Pf_StS/s3825/George%20Frant%20side.jpg)
My instincts proved correct, and I reached the TunbridgeWells – Hastings rail line at the top of the bank. Had I reached the rightpoint on the trail though, and did I need to turn left or right? The answercame in the form of a train, and as it disappeared away to my left, I justmanaged to catch a glimpse of the word, “Hastings” on the rear of the final carriage.Further confirmation came from a train travelling in the opposite direction,with the words “Charing X” on the front of the leading carriage.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrgk4q8pb9DwdkOhWVKlANGqYubUHzWjWyOISnhRn5 Dxwnm74zvpvJDflqh5j_bBRxMm2pDlczDtjpBBPWBJVAH_9G1p eAV3f1VDBrJfAqcV7KC9Bwo8W3LU4QNj5M5dsVDxDBFajAOffL m3lwJTKymb-QDOpkDQE_KTLyvwbsPbCFS81tKn2S-x/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_150628.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrgk4q8pb9DwdkOhWVKlANGqYubUHzWjWyOISnhRn5 Dxwnm74zvpvJDflqh5j_bBRxMm2pDlczDtjpBBPWBJVAH_9G1p eAV3f1VDBrJfAqcV7KC9Bwo8W3LU4QNj5M5dsVDxDBFajAOffL m3lwJTKymb-QDOpkDQE_KTLyvwbsPbCFS81tKn2S-x/s4000/IMG_20230526_150628.jpg)
Saved from being forced to endlessly walk around anon-descript area of woodland, I set off with a spring in my step, emergingback into civilisation at the side of a very nice property called WindmillFarm. This was a place I recognised from a previous walk, and shortly afterwardsthe path emerged onto Benhall Mill Road, which crosses the railway, and thenleads to the rather prestigious Nevill Golf Club. I headed towards theclubhouse, which again looked familiar, stopping for a brief chat with a coupleof golfers, who confirmed I was heading in the right direction.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOLdHD4HNUnCl1WIhURwwf9kVuEn5ylgCD17hmRDjFD HNv8fWC8kVgG4uIC_KusNQg69Vuf79pEDMU9PuO00b54JwoBN4 atOM5MfdVQ0fmmyagtnTj1mc-cxD-tqqibu1ud_JTiiMyMSOMJeL9dzUgVMdzj1bVwe74Ytb6SawRZT G3ItpAu1Af-HE/w400-h225/George%20Frant%20Rest.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOLdHD4HNUnCl1WIhURwwf9kVuEn5ylgCD17hmRDjFD HNv8fWC8kVgG4uIC_KusNQg69Vuf79pEDMU9PuO00b54JwoBN4 atOM5MfdVQ0fmmyagtnTj1mc-cxD-tqqibu1ud_JTiiMyMSOMJeL9dzUgVMdzj1bVwe74Ytb6SawRZT G3ItpAu1Af-HE/s4000/George%20Frant%20Rest.jpg)
I wasn’t quite at the end of the walk, but I was definitelyon the final straight, as after following the wall marking the boundary ofTunbridge Wells Crematorium and Cemetery, I emerged onto the busy Bayham Road. Aconcrete track, on the other side of the road lead up to Brickhouse Farm andthen into Chase Wood. There was no danger of getting lost here, as I havewalked the steep path through this wood, in both directions. It is quite aclimb though, and I was pleased when I eventually emerged from the trees intothe first of two fields that I knew would take me into Frant.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffBcCRs3PTdxEuDyOXJAbLuuBoqKkYLXds32FyL9jaa jXj3dk8NQsQD3GwkNCnDhSA9Cxb6KUKv9TBHfAUd_RB7bDGI1s RKeIyXiX9l_OZzycQMEWGrf90O1uqbH-upOo6JmwmUfmtjw8X7bULatunu1clU39CvL5l2KtXvXcGaO4EP-w_anrEDtm/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_150450.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffBcCRs3PTdxEuDyOXJAbLuuBoqKkYLXds32FyL9jaa jXj3dk8NQsQD3GwkNCnDhSA9Cxb6KUKv9TBHfAUd_RB7bDGI1s RKeIyXiX9l_OZzycQMEWGrf90O1uqbH-upOo6JmwmUfmtjw8X7bULatunu1clU39CvL5l2KtXvXcGaO4EP-w_anrEDtm/s4000/IMG_20230526_150450.jpg)
I arrived at the attractive looking George Inn at a quarterto three, and fortunately for me, the pub is open all afternoon on Fridays, andat the weekend. Not so fortunate was missing the last orders for food by 15minutes, but I was much more in need of liquid, rather than solid refreshment.As if sensing my thirst, an old boy sitting outside, made the rather obviousobservation that I looked in need of a pint, adding there was a nice garden atthe rear the pub. Thanking him for his concern, I stepped inside, turning tothe left, as the area to the right looked more like a restaurant.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgjxVx1GqR0pNeEgMeR_awgcPu2jfWWnHIuNmBzyoYs tcR9XtyFmFk_xw2hEIkAcpi_UBxxekYsbB28qGUQ_loNmL0qqo Zh1RvjUIcYzv3rymZmSnHj0vMFTDpEsiQNGIEOHdkGErrSdmnN 9qEJSeUkKf0DkbtQDErzcK-2-12xgb6XX3XvG02jvT/w400-h225/George%20Frant%20garden.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgjxVx1GqR0pNeEgMeR_awgcPu2jfWWnHIuNmBzyoYs tcR9XtyFmFk_xw2hEIkAcpi_UBxxekYsbB28qGUQ_loNmL0qqo Zh1RvjUIcYzv3rymZmSnHj0vMFTDpEsiQNGIEOHdkGErrSdmnN 9qEJSeUkKf0DkbtQDErzcK-2-12xgb6XX3XvG02jvT/s4000/George%20Frant%20garden.jpg)
It was nice and cool inside this heavily beamed old pub, andwhilst it took a short time for my eyes to adjust to the dark, I spotted on thebar, a hand pump dispensing Harvey’s Sussex Best. There was another beer onsale as well, but I only had eyes for a pint or Lewes’s finest. I enquiredabout food, but learned what I already feared, that the kitchen was now closed.A packet of crisps would have to suffice, and taking the old boy’s advice Itook pint plus crisps into the large and well laid out garden, where I found acomfortable chair and convenient table, in the shade of the back of thebuilding.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1cYf-5X9CQzoB2O0EfxSCKJdVVxQuTmtOzVdnIRp3DEcryMAcdZqowB TNVk8nsUGEAexoiAc0ALqyJ9KJZrGMb6r6D8YKHW6f5FSRYmE3 xMhNS60EvLNaVtjMsaWb_SqBPKGVr9qAFUIHmu5YjZYhU_tpM2 GqJulEa-yzYeGLaoefmYWt1QowjlV/w400-h225/George%20garden%20blossom.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1cYf-5X9CQzoB2O0EfxSCKJdVVxQuTmtOzVdnIRp3DEcryMAcdZqowB TNVk8nsUGEAexoiAc0ALqyJ9KJZrGMb6r6D8YKHW6f5FSRYmE3 xMhNS60EvLNaVtjMsaWb_SqBPKGVr9qAFUIHmu5YjZYhU_tpM2 GqJulEa-yzYeGLaoefmYWt1QowjlV/s3825/George%20garden%20blossom.jpg)
You just know I am going to tell you the beer was good, andboy it certainly was, worth at least a 4.5 on CAMRA’s NBSS scale. Apart fromme, there was an extended family occupying a couple of the tables in the centreof the garden, but I was just content to sit there enjoying my Harvey’s whilstbasking in the self-congratulatory glory of having completed another section ofthe Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. This was despite poor, or non-existentsignage at crucial junctions, and written directions that were both vague andrather wishy-washy. It seemed the guide’s author preferred instead to wax lyricalon geographical features, stately piles, churches, ruins, and other “Points ofInterest” along the way.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5eiGNnDD6zumnEeN3L1HfdWiBCQdfy0kD7yAswomda 5wTVhUx1R7XRa74gmuuj5vy7CPE8gSbkAT5rBGB-eHx5KJsCsv8sW71pfSWQVR5QkrdTKuelW3tYZskv-GgMKM0i9k9yGab4Xf9f-TOMF3frILCj34B1J0iJg-hlUr36aF8W7YoTaxmcF0/w400-h225/Frant%20village%20green.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5eiGNnDD6zumnEeN3L1HfdWiBCQdfy0kD7yAswomda 5wTVhUx1R7XRa74gmuuj5vy7CPE8gSbkAT5rBGB-eHx5KJsCsv8sW71pfSWQVR5QkrdTKuelW3tYZskv-GgMKM0i9k9yGab4Xf9f-TOMF3frILCj34B1J0iJg-hlUr36aF8W7YoTaxmcF0/s4000/Frant%20village%20green.jpg)
More of that for another time, and returning to the George,I had the difficult decision to make of staying for another pint or leaving inorder to catch the bus back to Tunbridge Wells. The 254 bus is only an hourlyservice, so regrettably I drank up and made my way along to the main A267 forthe 15:17 bus back to Tunbridge Wells. It was two minutes early as well, so Iwas lucky to have caught it, but it dropped me outside the railway station,where I had a short wait for the bus back to Tonbridge.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRKvRapP9QtIcf8HQEkWhPx7OV_rHpkCjZ6xY_kkiFn 6fzok7a2sE-d5m3qDzDpLXYCQvWYu_95NEUYIGnGAheFpINSSyMe1amLe4mwi bTpF-8nnnGuvRt6SaePOakDSLWCAOvEMuw1h5cpOdAGRV4VGSRhwxdT 9dUgxTuoz4-izCT3WYx-Y7FtJy/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_151452.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRKvRapP9QtIcf8HQEkWhPx7OV_rHpkCjZ6xY_kkiFn 6fzok7a2sE-d5m3qDzDpLXYCQvWYu_95NEUYIGnGAheFpINSSyMe1amLe4mwi bTpF-8nnnGuvRt6SaePOakDSLWCAOvEMuw1h5cpOdAGRV4VGSRhwxdT 9dUgxTuoz4-izCT3WYx-Y7FtJy/s4000/IMG_20230526_151452.jpg)
Returning to the George – the pub seemed popular withlocals, which although a good sign, did mean that with many of them sittinground the bar, it was difficult to take more than a few photos. The George is effectively,still a two-bar pub, even though both areas are linked towards the rear. Irealised that I had been in there at least once before, but it was a long timeago. I was also convinced there had been another pub in the village, apart fromthe George and the Abergavenny on the main road. However,looking at the 1987 local Sussex CAMRA Guide, the one which, according to theintroduction, I had helped survey, this was not the case. The George seems to function much more as the village localfor Frant, as opposed to the Abergavenny Arms, (https://www.abergavennyarms.co.uk/)which is much more food oriented. I likeboth establishments, although given the choice, I prefer the George. Next timethough, I might take the bus out there, and revisit both pubs.
Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/05/tunbridge-wells-circular-walk-stage-2.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisipxCcQ6iyIptSvExPm-3eFjdhCuoLbB6D0u2kQBKH720HtoKrDZVXdqTnt0iDMjvoca8i b1CUEPbZieWMJL4QtmkyW_tOXuf18_15nSpi3TZNqdYNji09lq SQbJQ_Vdh-AzYxc1RQp8zkXV-KpAyYiv6ODgp2PDvYTKTPXKRxrYBed0DAbZ9wG6c/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_111213.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisipxCcQ6iyIptSvExPm-3eFjdhCuoLbB6D0u2kQBKH720HtoKrDZVXdqTnt0iDMjvoca8i b1CUEPbZieWMJL4QtmkyW_tOXuf18_15nSpi3TZNqdYNji09lq SQbJQ_Vdh-AzYxc1RQp8zkXV-KpAyYiv6ODgp2PDvYTKTPXKRxrYBed0DAbZ9wG6c/s4000/IMG_20230526_111213.jpg)
Following on from last week’s ramble, on Friday I decided toknock off another stage of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. It was a rushed,and for me quite hasty decision, but with the weather set fair, and Mrs PBT’stied up with a tax return, on behalf of yet another jobbing builder, it seemed agood idea. So, after a hasty breakfast, I donned my trusty walking boots,grabbed my walking stick, and headed along to the bus stop.In my haste, I’d forgotten to pack a hat, and I’d alsoneglected to apply my knee brace. I realised both omissions, as I wasapproaching the bus stop, but with the direct service to Pembury, only runningon an hourly basis, there was no time to return and retrieve these forgottenitems. Fortunately, my knee held out, and there was no need for the additionalsupport that a brace provides, but the hat was another matter, and one that I soonregretted.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXQG6ep_KTX5UQtb6kD8UuctrreUheJSB1iEEsrt3P-v2m3tBYBiuFNCPBRMUqzwPXzd2X3D4ftbSC-W4bidvP-Q9WK_dXzlSMjczUdr93xM5iSXO1Krp2XoIxrZyWFhoqjR_qben 70u1nfwUoUR8lAehz8Y802qZB6Ft0N6KNyc4vfjHOYHfjvfq/w400-h225/Arriva%20buses.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXQG6ep_KTX5UQtb6kD8UuctrreUheJSB1iEEsrt3P-v2m3tBYBiuFNCPBRMUqzwPXzd2X3D4ftbSC-W4bidvP-Q9WK_dXzlSMjczUdr93xM5iSXO1Krp2XoIxrZyWFhoqjR_qben 70u1nfwUoUR8lAehz8Y802qZB6Ft0N6KNyc4vfjHOYHfjvfq/s4000/Arriva%20buses.jpg)
The 219 bus deposited me at Pembury Hospital, which hasbecome something of a major bus hub. I noticed a similar situation in Norwich, backin February, when I took a bus out to the Woodland Burial Centre at Colney –see link for explanation. The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital has expandedmassively, since my last visit in 2015 (visiting my mother, shortly before shepassed away in February of that year), and it seems as though all bus servicesheading out of the city, in a westerly direction, make a point of callingthere.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzHtx-ucp_IK1YwgmOkKYDkZdjFAvfh9nYwuyMhFnXAurfd4F8VB_h8U MrcyacwDSPts8phHZXQduKza7lcjikcGE4QamwhxJTJUcXkcgh URHmtMKTZnlgkXxmmm4XiLtc1E5i5FYoTbcqXp6LrXKm7c-fkA5p7FrBmiigmSYDeqTscD504XGBQ6v/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_120616.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzHtx-ucp_IK1YwgmOkKYDkZdjFAvfh9nYwuyMhFnXAurfd4F8VB_h8U MrcyacwDSPts8phHZXQduKza7lcjikcGE4QamwhxJTJUcXkcgh URHmtMKTZnlgkXxmmm4XiLtc1E5i5FYoTbcqXp6LrXKm7c-fkA5p7FrBmiigmSYDeqTscD504XGBQ6v/s4000/IMG_20230526_120616.jpg)
The starting point of my walk was at the other end ofPembury, which meant a one-mile trek before starting on the TWCW, but aftertraversing a field, and then crossing the busy A21 trunk road, by means of a footbridge,I was transported to a different world of mixed woodland and pasture (mainlythe latter). A series of ridges and gently sloping valleys, stretched away infront of me, for as far as the eye could see, and by the time I’d descended thefirst of these valleys, the traffic noise from the A21, had vanished.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPzwqXBQaH1MxKhPOTtegzQoYL2Ze4azMz3ker5C5eZ WSXLTuVEn4SJiUWq72B1IbjOBfbr7DPx2EIi3y4PxEXTqgYyyZ KG8GNB7lXo90ZypK4QJWU59pLLu6DAt6tkxM6U7ETL_gbhzEKX e2lJ0bAjDMdj6KMJxY4gD_1FPd-3Wu92KB7AD4tgJb/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_144038.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPzwqXBQaH1MxKhPOTtegzQoYL2Ze4azMz3ker5C5eZ WSXLTuVEn4SJiUWq72B1IbjOBfbr7DPx2EIi3y4PxEXTqgYyyZ KG8GNB7lXo90ZypK4QJWU59pLLu6DAt6tkxM6U7ETL_gbhzEKX e2lJ0bAjDMdj6KMJxY4gD_1FPd-3Wu92KB7AD4tgJb/s4000/IMG_20230526_144038.jpg)
My objective was to follow the footpath as far as thevillage of Frant, which lies to the south of Tunbridge Wells, enjoy a pint, andpossibly a bite to eat at the George Inn, before catching a couple of buseshome. I have to say that these OAP concessionary travel passes are a realgodsend, when it comes to arranging both hikes in the country, and pub visits,so it’s not all bad growing older. This particular stage was a very doable 5miles, so I was confident of arriving at the George in sufficient time to allowfor a couple of pints, plus a sandwich. I perhaps, should have known better, asthe problem I’d encountered the previous week, namely a poorly signposted routethrough woodland, surfaced again, not once but twice, as I am about to recall.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJpjdt838TeeEu6CatDb7Y1aF52vIAgw7duJ_PlKE9 G8sfc0lB0zFzAiG1XdSQEsJR4bw2FlPUXniLejTlRixurME7Ps N7-eKlYTOWhETt0cP45a0Y3RHN_l56c_kaPoto3_KCWJ3CTXplG9T cpvXng12sHhOR1EVuHNi0HEEcq4iXwdVDS4jEPd/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_134644.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJpjdt838TeeEu6CatDb7Y1aF52vIAgw7duJ_PlKE9 G8sfc0lB0zFzAiG1XdSQEsJR4bw2FlPUXniLejTlRixurME7Ps N7-eKlYTOWhETt0cP45a0Y3RHN_l56c_kaPoto3_KCWJ3CTXplG9T cpvXng12sHhOR1EVuHNi0HEEcq4iXwdVDS4jEPd/s4000/IMG_20230526_134644.jpg)
I’d been making good progress, largely following a concretetrack running between a series of suitably rustic named farms, when the trackled me into the ominously sounding, High Wood. At first, I welcomed theprotective shade that the trees afforded, and I even managed not to miss thepoint where the path did a sharp diversion to the left, but as it disappearedinto increasingly dense woodland, I encountered the first of several instanceswhere those who had first drawn up the TWCW, and the individual who’d writtenthe guidebook, had skimped on the detail, where it mattered most!. There was a clear fork in the path, andwithout the guidance of a way-mark, or instruction in the guide, I took the pathon the left.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLphELpDEZkU_RC2AERnH-biJtPkbW0JEx3HIoxER7Z8Oqw3t3WHnH9m94p_cshekzh4fpFS UAxPKGe3-Wd0jwuxBwCscdfk1FG3BFJX4GMSBAl8t7OT-TnC5XWM6MGQMKkhwH2UOn0IEHw4X03OfoK154lp637Lu2vrm1-GWuAVlHjIkDDDfUQd-A/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_134700.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLphELpDEZkU_RC2AERnH-biJtPkbW0JEx3HIoxER7Z8Oqw3t3WHnH9m94p_cshekzh4fpFS UAxPKGe3-Wd0jwuxBwCscdfk1FG3BFJX4GMSBAl8t7OT-TnC5XWM6MGQMKkhwH2UOn0IEHw4X03OfoK154lp637Lu2vrm1-GWuAVlHjIkDDDfUQd-A/s4000/IMG_20230526_134700.jpg)
With the benefit of that wonderful thing called hindsight, Ishould have taken the other, but after a long descent I reached a road whichfortunately, allowed me to re-join the official route. I was not as luckyfurther on, as turning off the road, to the right of Hawkenbury Farm, the trackplunged into a steep and rather narrow descent. Once again, I began wonderingwhether I was on the right path or not, but fortunately, a TWCW way-mark,indicated that I was. The path itself was rather muddy, despite the recentspell of dry weather, but being churned up by the hooves of countless horses,from the nearby stables, clearly hadn’t helped.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwt8DIxvq1ejUNugU6eKxjYVfBZjSywdbu-s0wlZsxjjbhmyepQ1jS1R1KfTpbZdfScr8UfzVbAhgleDoX5DO vc-h7ObaD9Xc0SB4AH018BV7WYsObb7lkovKNVaS1BShe4ZaPR0wB RRhMsCMDmx-k12JJFmEOcmN0JC2bsvSn4Cn6tmC9iX52kCO/w400-h217/Frant%20churchyard.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwt8DIxvq1ejUNugU6eKxjYVfBZjSywdbu-s0wlZsxjjbhmyepQ1jS1R1KfTpbZdfScr8UfzVbAhgleDoX5DO vc-h7ObaD9Xc0SB4AH018BV7WYsObb7lkovKNVaS1BShe4ZaPR0wB RRhMsCMDmx-k12JJFmEOcmN0JC2bsvSn4Cn6tmC9iX52kCO/s3834/Frant%20churchyard.jpg)
This section of the walk was starting to look familiar froma previous walk, although to my right what at the time were initial earthworks,had now turned into a full-scale housing development. I could see through thetrees, that many of these new houses were already occupied, as I continued inwhat I assumed was the right direction. I was aware from the guidebook that thepath was supposed to take a left turn, but despite keeping a sharp lookout, Isaw no signs indicating this.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF1z_cyHtH2xzyhjK83BDqYCJxoBIwMoJuD4EeR6ZCd J7Tte6hj2bHhNWED_sn6cRmw5fnyIYj-NEUDV1NKzpwmEc1qZRiFhUCKLQ4gm83ceQ5fCfKmpCJfBQ0LKh lKP4hCxPIsot0ieMTNT4uJzBOm0UVAE9VwFKuxIBLPUqRlCOV6 2eYIbYXkmP/w400-h225/George%20front%20ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF1z_cyHtH2xzyhjK83BDqYCJxoBIwMoJuD4EeR6ZCd J7Tte6hj2bHhNWED_sn6cRmw5fnyIYj-NEUDV1NKzpwmEc1qZRiFhUCKLQ4gm83ceQ5fCfKmpCJfBQ0LKh lKP4hCxPIsot0ieMTNT4uJzBOm0UVAE9VwFKuxIBLPUqRlCOV6 2eYIbYXkmP/s3891/George%20front%20ext.jpg)
Eventually I reached what looked like the turning, althoughominously there were no signs or way-marks indicating the TWCW. I bit the bulletand turned to the left. I emerged from the trees into a grassy area, hemmed inon one side by a security fence. The clue I was looking for, was the railwayline, as according to both map and guide, the footpath follows the line for ashort distance. I had heard the noise of a train earlier, so following myinstincts I continued up a grassy bank where I’d caught a glimpse of the typeof metal fencing used to restrict access to the railway.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gQSBDW4WSFomwoMttKvJRR1Eimqa4w7HwsmRjBcXhP zIXI7IwlWW-01e1ExfVVwLw3tdEk-8iKbBH1u6BqMF_4RIrTkqANGT2rgA1YPaIzJCL0huxzM5LrDkR H_CG8eZL9T2gYQGRjoocDZzasjd9Fx-2eEENSkjWFa70uy8iMpD5_Jbd-Pf_StS/w400-h219/George%20Frant%20side.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gQSBDW4WSFomwoMttKvJRR1Eimqa4w7HwsmRjBcXhP zIXI7IwlWW-01e1ExfVVwLw3tdEk-8iKbBH1u6BqMF_4RIrTkqANGT2rgA1YPaIzJCL0huxzM5LrDkR H_CG8eZL9T2gYQGRjoocDZzasjd9Fx-2eEENSkjWFa70uy8iMpD5_Jbd-Pf_StS/s3825/George%20Frant%20side.jpg)
My instincts proved correct, and I reached the TunbridgeWells – Hastings rail line at the top of the bank. Had I reached the rightpoint on the trail though, and did I need to turn left or right? The answercame in the form of a train, and as it disappeared away to my left, I justmanaged to catch a glimpse of the word, “Hastings” on the rear of the final carriage.Further confirmation came from a train travelling in the opposite direction,with the words “Charing X” on the front of the leading carriage.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrgk4q8pb9DwdkOhWVKlANGqYubUHzWjWyOISnhRn5 Dxwnm74zvpvJDflqh5j_bBRxMm2pDlczDtjpBBPWBJVAH_9G1p eAV3f1VDBrJfAqcV7KC9Bwo8W3LU4QNj5M5dsVDxDBFajAOffL m3lwJTKymb-QDOpkDQE_KTLyvwbsPbCFS81tKn2S-x/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_150628.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrgk4q8pb9DwdkOhWVKlANGqYubUHzWjWyOISnhRn5 Dxwnm74zvpvJDflqh5j_bBRxMm2pDlczDtjpBBPWBJVAH_9G1p eAV3f1VDBrJfAqcV7KC9Bwo8W3LU4QNj5M5dsVDxDBFajAOffL m3lwJTKymb-QDOpkDQE_KTLyvwbsPbCFS81tKn2S-x/s4000/IMG_20230526_150628.jpg)
Saved from being forced to endlessly walk around anon-descript area of woodland, I set off with a spring in my step, emergingback into civilisation at the side of a very nice property called WindmillFarm. This was a place I recognised from a previous walk, and shortly afterwardsthe path emerged onto Benhall Mill Road, which crosses the railway, and thenleads to the rather prestigious Nevill Golf Club. I headed towards theclubhouse, which again looked familiar, stopping for a brief chat with a coupleof golfers, who confirmed I was heading in the right direction.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOLdHD4HNUnCl1WIhURwwf9kVuEn5ylgCD17hmRDjFD HNv8fWC8kVgG4uIC_KusNQg69Vuf79pEDMU9PuO00b54JwoBN4 atOM5MfdVQ0fmmyagtnTj1mc-cxD-tqqibu1ud_JTiiMyMSOMJeL9dzUgVMdzj1bVwe74Ytb6SawRZT G3ItpAu1Af-HE/w400-h225/George%20Frant%20Rest.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOLdHD4HNUnCl1WIhURwwf9kVuEn5ylgCD17hmRDjFD HNv8fWC8kVgG4uIC_KusNQg69Vuf79pEDMU9PuO00b54JwoBN4 atOM5MfdVQ0fmmyagtnTj1mc-cxD-tqqibu1ud_JTiiMyMSOMJeL9dzUgVMdzj1bVwe74Ytb6SawRZT G3ItpAu1Af-HE/s4000/George%20Frant%20Rest.jpg)
I wasn’t quite at the end of the walk, but I was definitelyon the final straight, as after following the wall marking the boundary ofTunbridge Wells Crematorium and Cemetery, I emerged onto the busy Bayham Road. Aconcrete track, on the other side of the road lead up to Brickhouse Farm andthen into Chase Wood. There was no danger of getting lost here, as I havewalked the steep path through this wood, in both directions. It is quite aclimb though, and I was pleased when I eventually emerged from the trees intothe first of two fields that I knew would take me into Frant.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffBcCRs3PTdxEuDyOXJAbLuuBoqKkYLXds32FyL9jaa jXj3dk8NQsQD3GwkNCnDhSA9Cxb6KUKv9TBHfAUd_RB7bDGI1s RKeIyXiX9l_OZzycQMEWGrf90O1uqbH-upOo6JmwmUfmtjw8X7bULatunu1clU39CvL5l2KtXvXcGaO4EP-w_anrEDtm/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_150450.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffBcCRs3PTdxEuDyOXJAbLuuBoqKkYLXds32FyL9jaa jXj3dk8NQsQD3GwkNCnDhSA9Cxb6KUKv9TBHfAUd_RB7bDGI1s RKeIyXiX9l_OZzycQMEWGrf90O1uqbH-upOo6JmwmUfmtjw8X7bULatunu1clU39CvL5l2KtXvXcGaO4EP-w_anrEDtm/s4000/IMG_20230526_150450.jpg)
I arrived at the attractive looking George Inn at a quarterto three, and fortunately for me, the pub is open all afternoon on Fridays, andat the weekend. Not so fortunate was missing the last orders for food by 15minutes, but I was much more in need of liquid, rather than solid refreshment.As if sensing my thirst, an old boy sitting outside, made the rather obviousobservation that I looked in need of a pint, adding there was a nice garden atthe rear the pub. Thanking him for his concern, I stepped inside, turning tothe left, as the area to the right looked more like a restaurant.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgjxVx1GqR0pNeEgMeR_awgcPu2jfWWnHIuNmBzyoYs tcR9XtyFmFk_xw2hEIkAcpi_UBxxekYsbB28qGUQ_loNmL0qqo Zh1RvjUIcYzv3rymZmSnHj0vMFTDpEsiQNGIEOHdkGErrSdmnN 9qEJSeUkKf0DkbtQDErzcK-2-12xgb6XX3XvG02jvT/w400-h225/George%20Frant%20garden.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgjxVx1GqR0pNeEgMeR_awgcPu2jfWWnHIuNmBzyoYs tcR9XtyFmFk_xw2hEIkAcpi_UBxxekYsbB28qGUQ_loNmL0qqo Zh1RvjUIcYzv3rymZmSnHj0vMFTDpEsiQNGIEOHdkGErrSdmnN 9qEJSeUkKf0DkbtQDErzcK-2-12xgb6XX3XvG02jvT/s4000/George%20Frant%20garden.jpg)
It was nice and cool inside this heavily beamed old pub, andwhilst it took a short time for my eyes to adjust to the dark, I spotted on thebar, a hand pump dispensing Harvey’s Sussex Best. There was another beer onsale as well, but I only had eyes for a pint or Lewes’s finest. I enquiredabout food, but learned what I already feared, that the kitchen was now closed.A packet of crisps would have to suffice, and taking the old boy’s advice Itook pint plus crisps into the large and well laid out garden, where I found acomfortable chair and convenient table, in the shade of the back of thebuilding.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1cYf-5X9CQzoB2O0EfxSCKJdVVxQuTmtOzVdnIRp3DEcryMAcdZqowB TNVk8nsUGEAexoiAc0ALqyJ9KJZrGMb6r6D8YKHW6f5FSRYmE3 xMhNS60EvLNaVtjMsaWb_SqBPKGVr9qAFUIHmu5YjZYhU_tpM2 GqJulEa-yzYeGLaoefmYWt1QowjlV/w400-h225/George%20garden%20blossom.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1cYf-5X9CQzoB2O0EfxSCKJdVVxQuTmtOzVdnIRp3DEcryMAcdZqowB TNVk8nsUGEAexoiAc0ALqyJ9KJZrGMb6r6D8YKHW6f5FSRYmE3 xMhNS60EvLNaVtjMsaWb_SqBPKGVr9qAFUIHmu5YjZYhU_tpM2 GqJulEa-yzYeGLaoefmYWt1QowjlV/s3825/George%20garden%20blossom.jpg)
You just know I am going to tell you the beer was good, andboy it certainly was, worth at least a 4.5 on CAMRA’s NBSS scale. Apart fromme, there was an extended family occupying a couple of the tables in the centreof the garden, but I was just content to sit there enjoying my Harvey’s whilstbasking in the self-congratulatory glory of having completed another section ofthe Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. This was despite poor, or non-existentsignage at crucial junctions, and written directions that were both vague andrather wishy-washy. It seemed the guide’s author preferred instead to wax lyricalon geographical features, stately piles, churches, ruins, and other “Points ofInterest” along the way.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5eiGNnDD6zumnEeN3L1HfdWiBCQdfy0kD7yAswomda 5wTVhUx1R7XRa74gmuuj5vy7CPE8gSbkAT5rBGB-eHx5KJsCsv8sW71pfSWQVR5QkrdTKuelW3tYZskv-GgMKM0i9k9yGab4Xf9f-TOMF3frILCj34B1J0iJg-hlUr36aF8W7YoTaxmcF0/w400-h225/Frant%20village%20green.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5eiGNnDD6zumnEeN3L1HfdWiBCQdfy0kD7yAswomda 5wTVhUx1R7XRa74gmuuj5vy7CPE8gSbkAT5rBGB-eHx5KJsCsv8sW71pfSWQVR5QkrdTKuelW3tYZskv-GgMKM0i9k9yGab4Xf9f-TOMF3frILCj34B1J0iJg-hlUr36aF8W7YoTaxmcF0/s4000/Frant%20village%20green.jpg)
More of that for another time, and returning to the George,I had the difficult decision to make of staying for another pint or leaving inorder to catch the bus back to Tunbridge Wells. The 254 bus is only an hourlyservice, so regrettably I drank up and made my way along to the main A267 forthe 15:17 bus back to Tunbridge Wells. It was two minutes early as well, so Iwas lucky to have caught it, but it dropped me outside the railway station,where I had a short wait for the bus back to Tonbridge.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRKvRapP9QtIcf8HQEkWhPx7OV_rHpkCjZ6xY_kkiFn 6fzok7a2sE-d5m3qDzDpLXYCQvWYu_95NEUYIGnGAheFpINSSyMe1amLe4mwi bTpF-8nnnGuvRt6SaePOakDSLWCAOvEMuw1h5cpOdAGRV4VGSRhwxdT 9dUgxTuoz4-izCT3WYx-Y7FtJy/w400-h225/IMG_20230526_151452.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRKvRapP9QtIcf8HQEkWhPx7OV_rHpkCjZ6xY_kkiFn 6fzok7a2sE-d5m3qDzDpLXYCQvWYu_95NEUYIGnGAheFpINSSyMe1amLe4mwi bTpF-8nnnGuvRt6SaePOakDSLWCAOvEMuw1h5cpOdAGRV4VGSRhwxdT 9dUgxTuoz4-izCT3WYx-Y7FtJy/s4000/IMG_20230526_151452.jpg)
Returning to the George – the pub seemed popular withlocals, which although a good sign, did mean that with many of them sittinground the bar, it was difficult to take more than a few photos. The George is effectively,still a two-bar pub, even though both areas are linked towards the rear. Irealised that I had been in there at least once before, but it was a long timeago. I was also convinced there had been another pub in the village, apart fromthe George and the Abergavenny on the main road. However,looking at the 1987 local Sussex CAMRA Guide, the one which, according to theintroduction, I had helped survey, this was not the case. The George seems to function much more as the village localfor Frant, as opposed to the Abergavenny Arms, (https://www.abergavennyarms.co.uk/)which is much more food oriented. I likeboth establishments, although given the choice, I prefer the George. Next timethough, I might take the bus out there, and revisit both pubs.
Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/05/tunbridge-wells-circular-walk-stage-2.html)