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22-07-2023, 11:00
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-high-rocks-where-it-really-was.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqzUDxggcqgUo094HYMibLWG8tKyQfz07IbuUCxGaV WiXHb7j4wjNUScxqoLFSGbs8tGg5RmMo9WFOmZe5XHRe5fNzDb I3ZLDfgOuryeWedOYPFYGQGLUkLNBUz7LoRSVmzTp2S8uIRdKS H1_ec-db4kq3Rhh3ghCq_fX1uHwJjsijbfEz1f6baSYXw/w225-h400/IMG_20230716_160117.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqzUDxggcqgUo094HYMibLWG8tKyQfz07IbuUCxGaV WiXHb7j4wjNUScxqoLFSGbs8tGg5RmMo9WFOmZe5XHRe5fNzDb I3ZLDfgOuryeWedOYPFYGQGLUkLNBUz7LoRSVmzTp2S8uIRdKS H1_ec-db4kq3Rhh3ghCq_fX1uHwJjsijbfEz1f6baSYXw/s4000/IMG_20230716_160117.jpg)
You left Matthew and I departing from the rather upmarket Beacon,after failing for the second time that afternoon to obtain a beer. The Beaconwas the second of three pubs that we visited on that particular Sunday, butwith the first one closed and the second pub focussing almost exclusively onwine, would it be a case of third time lucky? Earlier that afternoon, we had triedto locate the High Rocks, a popular pub, restaurant, and wedding venue to thewest of Tunbridge Wells. The complex is named after the adjacent outcrops ofsandstone rocks, which are a popular tourist attraction.We initially failed in that endeavour, as we were actually muchfurther south than I thought we were, but after our experience at the Beacon, Isurmised that we were now a lot closer to the High Rocks than we were when driving towards Groombridge. The thought came to me whilst sitting on the terrace,at the Beacon, overlooking the feature known locally as "Happy Valley". We heardthe whistle of a steam locomotive, belonging to the Spa Valley Railway, as itpassed along the valley and one of the stops on that line is the halt adjacentto the High Rocks complex.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWD3jtzg1Q110XEc1UBVsvqODSnG9TGTsR3P9kEZFuo RA1ekhoE1qXmQg6P-sbNrgWKBrBnNQOYqcAAEU14FYmbwmnt7cr2CfiTlXR0Uxg-tGHS9npafOQqjK5Tq0JPF2BPpqhem51QdutRVUNfgccila5BqC 9Yqjxzt0ZGwN6D3979Sn1LohG1d1cTw/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_164406.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWD3jtzg1Q110XEc1UBVsvqODSnG9TGTsR3P9kEZFuo RA1ekhoE1qXmQg6P-sbNrgWKBrBnNQOYqcAAEU14FYmbwmnt7cr2CfiTlXR0Uxg-tGHS9npafOQqjK5Tq0JPF2BPpqhem51QdutRVUNfgccila5BqC 9Yqjxzt0ZGwN6D3979Sn1LohG1d1cTw/s4000/IMG_20230716_164406.jpg)
The Beacon is situated a third of the way down Tea GardenLane, so armed with what we’d seen and heard earlier, I assumed that if wefollowed the lane to the bottom of the valley, we would be close to the HighRocks, and the prospect of a beer. Not wishing to get lost a second time, Iprogrammed the destination into my phone, and let Google Maps do the rest. Myassumption was correct, and after driving with care, along the rather narrow lane,we reached a T junction. The sign indicated that a right turn would lead us tothe High Rocks, and a short while later, we reached our destination.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7MlykZhC1h5tHOw14PKtjbhKQm5JXmNq_xwNyla88 HVhV0etIg1_3_tEUzeEoj0AZ5CStaJp27GLRKcDP04CMOEjHw4 6K2G9Qc9gMhz1s1uH_rE-T4iDI6knj7o00pvIrrckoVwJ1pRDzV-jH2tG9QhNkOiwKY8OcwkfKRhvQOxC0qvM4xNilcQy7A/w400-h225/High%20Rocks%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7MlykZhC1h5tHOw14PKtjbhKQm5JXmNq_xwNyla88 HVhV0etIg1_3_tEUzeEoj0AZ5CStaJp27GLRKcDP04CMOEjHw4 6K2G9Qc9gMhz1s1uH_rE-T4iDI6knj7o00pvIrrckoVwJ1pRDzV-jH2tG9QhNkOiwKY8OcwkfKRhvQOxC0qvM4xNilcQy7A/s4000/High%20Rocks%20Ext.jpg)
After leaving the car in the substantial car park, adjacentto the High Rocks (https://highrocks.co.uk/)themselves, we crossed the roadand made our way towards the pub and restaurant. Despite it being a Sunday, awedding was taking place, which seemed strange, as back in my day suchceremonies were never held on a Sunday. Times change though, and we followedthe steps down into the terrace garden, to the left of the High Rocks pub, beforeentering, to see what beers were on offer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb3K2KF3tyXLwSaEIsLZ3wIahIv22B8G-eOh-yG-iOA7rJ-kEF18T3vuJaj6eny7i0Za9ocMFMX358joR5HS3LiggyTrU3L3P xh7F4Xa9mzQlMuYdD1SXxA-HlEiVE0dGvjJ32vKSahcemR6y9aUYgW-wXTCXudN6-T7VbU5NDuiTtLLKElEXZevwvew/w225-h400/Admiral%20IPA.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb3K2KF3tyXLwSaEIsLZ3wIahIv22B8G-eOh-yG-iOA7rJ-kEF18T3vuJaj6eny7i0Za9ocMFMX358joR5HS3LiggyTrU3L3P xh7F4Xa9mzQlMuYdD1SXxA-HlEiVE0dGvjJ32vKSahcemR6y9aUYgW-wXTCXudN6-T7VbU5NDuiTtLLKElEXZevwvew/s4000/Admiral%20IPA.jpg)
As well as a beer from Tonbridge Brewery, I was surprised tosee one from the Nelson Brewery, who are based in the Historic Naval Dockyardat Chatham. Admiral IPA was the beer, and the pump clip showing the silhouette of an Admiral, dressedin early 19th century garb, was obviously supposed to be Admiral Nelson himself.This was the first time in a decade and a half that I had seen Nelson beers onsale, and seeing the pump clip it was quite a poignant moment, because a coupleof weeks ago we learned of the sad death of the brewery owner, Piers MacDonald. Piers had single handedly, turned the Nelson Brewery’sfortune around, after buying the business in 2006, and from what I remember ofthe brewery, following a visit in 2009 the place was certainly in need ofimprovement. That was my only visit to the brewery, but Piers was obviouslysuccessful in his endeavours, otherwise the company would have ceased trading along time ago. The beer too was a dramatic improvement, as the sourness, spoilingthe taste of Nelson beers, which was probably due to a yeast infection, had gone.The 4.0% Admiral IPA was certainly very drinkable.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccD3LvvhKMCUD-bX4WEI684BvNoo4s8IeZxK59xGlGJczxJ-ryHM4D0M_ez4yxFHwU8r8VJkG3w1uZu0GUDRmsihVCk4HhFJLd 9K_FiXUIQHu0pmJuErtkNCNqR26AXCtLtfLe6RHeJa-YNeUcP0prFRlAyLaWyOfNw0GLmqO67Ssm94LOoChrwVSt4/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_160813.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccD3LvvhKMCUD-bX4WEI684BvNoo4s8IeZxK59xGlGJczxJ-ryHM4D0M_ez4yxFHwU8r8VJkG3w1uZu0GUDRmsihVCk4HhFJLd 9K_FiXUIQHu0pmJuErtkNCNqR26AXCtLtfLe6RHeJa-YNeUcP0prFRlAyLaWyOfNw0GLmqO67Ssm94LOoChrwVSt4/s4000/IMG_20230716_160813.jpg)
After a brief chat with the pleasant girl behind the bar, wetook our drinks outside, joining several other groups of drinkers enjoying theafternoon sunshine. From our seats, we could see back across the Happy Valley, anddown to the High Rocks Halt, which is where the SVR trains call at, as theytravel back and forth along the line between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. Wewitnessed one of the trains pulling away, from the platform, and I managed to snapa quick photo.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9mskZvlczhYeuIDoqOfLwDmfTm4Z2aCIEWDDHrwKP mdgeubk826-NYkuaDeJblVmkIgKpUtwhF9iRFJ95aHWlbc6aSPhTPwwPGzF5U cP07bdL4i6VKTHFY7LTn56M_pT1Ho5QqoZJHgn3zfXkovYucIC b1_9ZG-t6PHdw7QnPUmUzYtdOEGSgQSHMs/w400-h224/High%20Rocks%20SVR.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9mskZvlczhYeuIDoqOfLwDmfTm4Z2aCIEWDDHrwKP mdgeubk826-NYkuaDeJblVmkIgKpUtwhF9iRFJ95aHWlbc6aSPhTPwwPGzF5U cP07bdL4i6VKTHFY7LTn56M_pT1Ho5QqoZJHgn3zfXkovYucIC b1_9ZG-t6PHdw7QnPUmUzYtdOEGSgQSHMs/s3930/High%20Rocks%20SVR.jpg)
The High Rocks will be the venue for the wedding of Eileen’s’niece Heidi, and her fiancé in just over a year's time, and there is another familyconnection with the complex too, because the magnificent, oak-beamed barn, which isused to host larger functions, was constructed by Heidi’s father, Brian. It beganlife as an old farm building, before being acquired by the owner of the High Rocksowner and being taken apart, transported to its new site, and then reassembled.It was quite a project, and Brian was rightly very proud of it. Brian died threeyears ago, right at the beginning of the pandemic, although his death was notCOVID related, so sadly he will not be there to give his youngest daughteraway.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAU-LfsAQtky-QfR9GBHva-tZnJWVh8gOIAtt3C-JHtPWScgISj0yDKiT--4kGo00rJ_U0bv2MGZ8Wn0Sc-wwMbD9Inr6ifS8JzxNrIENlb_LkdE9_vtyy-cXhAD2ZwPM7pu7QKVeUCjjLxl_hNIG1rXl27B_Y9Ptn0KbUiQ-o53to3UwDQ0DJSvZ1tY/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_154031.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAU-LfsAQtky-QfR9GBHva-tZnJWVh8gOIAtt3C-JHtPWScgISj0yDKiT--4kGo00rJ_U0bv2MGZ8Wn0Sc-wwMbD9Inr6ifS8JzxNrIENlb_LkdE9_vtyy-cXhAD2ZwPM7pu7QKVeUCjjLxl_hNIG1rXl27B_Y9Ptn0KbUiQ-o53to3UwDQ0DJSvZ1tY/s4000/IMG_20230716_154031.jpg)
The High Rocks themselves, occupy a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Site_of_Special_Scientific_Interest)to the west of Tunbridge Wells Spread over several acres the impressivesandstone rocks are interlinked with eleven bridges, to provide a scenic walkin a tranquil woodland setting. Once a Stone Age encampment, these ancient rocksare now a National Monument. Along with the nearby Harrison’s Rocks, theserocky crags form a world-renowned location for rock climbing. Theattraction is open daily from 10:00 until dusk except Boxing Day, apparently. Admission is £5per person, and tickets are available from the High Rocks Pub.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eY5KiOcbWusJlCeVRnFzR6zKAzXzcB5TfwGdyxIsEn KGGqcqgbY48-ArWFCbSvvRlf-5zTF_Z8Elki4rzX5p9jWR6mh0A-LZIn57v0-pp_NNVS1w9BzybOM-Yc6V6Ut7rWzeJc4N2YS6xhV3GhG9i7TYAZDRqPsbFN0fGURDLC rL4N83G30NMtvJROc/w400-h300/DSC00649.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eY5KiOcbWusJlCeVRnFzR6zKAzXzcB5TfwGdyxIsEn KGGqcqgbY48-ArWFCbSvvRlf-5zTF_Z8Elki4rzX5p9jWR6mh0A-LZIn57v0-pp_NNVS1w9BzybOM-Yc6V6Ut7rWzeJc4N2YS6xhV3GhG9i7TYAZDRqPsbFN0fGURDLC rL4N83G30NMtvJROc/s2048/DSC00649.JPG)
As with several other places of interest locally - Penshurst Place, Hever Castle,Chartwell and Ightham Mote, all spring to mind, I have never visited the High Rocksthemselves, but with such a reasonable admission charge there is no realexcuse. I have visited the High Rocks pub several times, the last time beingback in 2016, when a group of us, walked from Tunbridge Wells West station, toGroombridge, following one of the Link Routes of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk.I also remember a firm’s Christmas party being held there, many years ago.So, leaving the joys of the pub aside for a moment, Idefinitely feel that an hour or two spent exploring the High Rocks NationalMonument, would be £5 well spent, and I could always slake my thirst in thebar, afterwards. Thinking further outside the box, it would be good to travel eitherthere, or back, by means of the Spa Valley Railway.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-high-rocks-where-it-really-was.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqzUDxggcqgUo094HYMibLWG8tKyQfz07IbuUCxGaV WiXHb7j4wjNUScxqoLFSGbs8tGg5RmMo9WFOmZe5XHRe5fNzDb I3ZLDfgOuryeWedOYPFYGQGLUkLNBUz7LoRSVmzTp2S8uIRdKS H1_ec-db4kq3Rhh3ghCq_fX1uHwJjsijbfEz1f6baSYXw/w225-h400/IMG_20230716_160117.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqzUDxggcqgUo094HYMibLWG8tKyQfz07IbuUCxGaV WiXHb7j4wjNUScxqoLFSGbs8tGg5RmMo9WFOmZe5XHRe5fNzDb I3ZLDfgOuryeWedOYPFYGQGLUkLNBUz7LoRSVmzTp2S8uIRdKS H1_ec-db4kq3Rhh3ghCq_fX1uHwJjsijbfEz1f6baSYXw/s4000/IMG_20230716_160117.jpg)
You left Matthew and I departing from the rather upmarket Beacon,after failing for the second time that afternoon to obtain a beer. The Beaconwas the second of three pubs that we visited on that particular Sunday, butwith the first one closed and the second pub focussing almost exclusively onwine, would it be a case of third time lucky? Earlier that afternoon, we had triedto locate the High Rocks, a popular pub, restaurant, and wedding venue to thewest of Tunbridge Wells. The complex is named after the adjacent outcrops ofsandstone rocks, which are a popular tourist attraction.We initially failed in that endeavour, as we were actually muchfurther south than I thought we were, but after our experience at the Beacon, Isurmised that we were now a lot closer to the High Rocks than we were when driving towards Groombridge. The thought came to me whilst sitting on the terrace,at the Beacon, overlooking the feature known locally as "Happy Valley". We heardthe whistle of a steam locomotive, belonging to the Spa Valley Railway, as itpassed along the valley and one of the stops on that line is the halt adjacentto the High Rocks complex.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWD3jtzg1Q110XEc1UBVsvqODSnG9TGTsR3P9kEZFuo RA1ekhoE1qXmQg6P-sbNrgWKBrBnNQOYqcAAEU14FYmbwmnt7cr2CfiTlXR0Uxg-tGHS9npafOQqjK5Tq0JPF2BPpqhem51QdutRVUNfgccila5BqC 9Yqjxzt0ZGwN6D3979Sn1LohG1d1cTw/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_164406.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWD3jtzg1Q110XEc1UBVsvqODSnG9TGTsR3P9kEZFuo RA1ekhoE1qXmQg6P-sbNrgWKBrBnNQOYqcAAEU14FYmbwmnt7cr2CfiTlXR0Uxg-tGHS9npafOQqjK5Tq0JPF2BPpqhem51QdutRVUNfgccila5BqC 9Yqjxzt0ZGwN6D3979Sn1LohG1d1cTw/s4000/IMG_20230716_164406.jpg)
The Beacon is situated a third of the way down Tea GardenLane, so armed with what we’d seen and heard earlier, I assumed that if wefollowed the lane to the bottom of the valley, we would be close to the HighRocks, and the prospect of a beer. Not wishing to get lost a second time, Iprogrammed the destination into my phone, and let Google Maps do the rest. Myassumption was correct, and after driving with care, along the rather narrow lane,we reached a T junction. The sign indicated that a right turn would lead us tothe High Rocks, and a short while later, we reached our destination.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7MlykZhC1h5tHOw14PKtjbhKQm5JXmNq_xwNyla88 HVhV0etIg1_3_tEUzeEoj0AZ5CStaJp27GLRKcDP04CMOEjHw4 6K2G9Qc9gMhz1s1uH_rE-T4iDI6knj7o00pvIrrckoVwJ1pRDzV-jH2tG9QhNkOiwKY8OcwkfKRhvQOxC0qvM4xNilcQy7A/w400-h225/High%20Rocks%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7MlykZhC1h5tHOw14PKtjbhKQm5JXmNq_xwNyla88 HVhV0etIg1_3_tEUzeEoj0AZ5CStaJp27GLRKcDP04CMOEjHw4 6K2G9Qc9gMhz1s1uH_rE-T4iDI6knj7o00pvIrrckoVwJ1pRDzV-jH2tG9QhNkOiwKY8OcwkfKRhvQOxC0qvM4xNilcQy7A/s4000/High%20Rocks%20Ext.jpg)
After leaving the car in the substantial car park, adjacentto the High Rocks (https://highrocks.co.uk/)themselves, we crossed the roadand made our way towards the pub and restaurant. Despite it being a Sunday, awedding was taking place, which seemed strange, as back in my day suchceremonies were never held on a Sunday. Times change though, and we followedthe steps down into the terrace garden, to the left of the High Rocks pub, beforeentering, to see what beers were on offer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb3K2KF3tyXLwSaEIsLZ3wIahIv22B8G-eOh-yG-iOA7rJ-kEF18T3vuJaj6eny7i0Za9ocMFMX358joR5HS3LiggyTrU3L3P xh7F4Xa9mzQlMuYdD1SXxA-HlEiVE0dGvjJ32vKSahcemR6y9aUYgW-wXTCXudN6-T7VbU5NDuiTtLLKElEXZevwvew/w225-h400/Admiral%20IPA.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb3K2KF3tyXLwSaEIsLZ3wIahIv22B8G-eOh-yG-iOA7rJ-kEF18T3vuJaj6eny7i0Za9ocMFMX358joR5HS3LiggyTrU3L3P xh7F4Xa9mzQlMuYdD1SXxA-HlEiVE0dGvjJ32vKSahcemR6y9aUYgW-wXTCXudN6-T7VbU5NDuiTtLLKElEXZevwvew/s4000/Admiral%20IPA.jpg)
As well as a beer from Tonbridge Brewery, I was surprised tosee one from the Nelson Brewery, who are based in the Historic Naval Dockyardat Chatham. Admiral IPA was the beer, and the pump clip showing the silhouette of an Admiral, dressedin early 19th century garb, was obviously supposed to be Admiral Nelson himself.This was the first time in a decade and a half that I had seen Nelson beers onsale, and seeing the pump clip it was quite a poignant moment, because a coupleof weeks ago we learned of the sad death of the brewery owner, Piers MacDonald. Piers had single handedly, turned the Nelson Brewery’sfortune around, after buying the business in 2006, and from what I remember ofthe brewery, following a visit in 2009 the place was certainly in need ofimprovement. That was my only visit to the brewery, but Piers was obviouslysuccessful in his endeavours, otherwise the company would have ceased trading along time ago. The beer too was a dramatic improvement, as the sourness, spoilingthe taste of Nelson beers, which was probably due to a yeast infection, had gone.The 4.0% Admiral IPA was certainly very drinkable.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccD3LvvhKMCUD-bX4WEI684BvNoo4s8IeZxK59xGlGJczxJ-ryHM4D0M_ez4yxFHwU8r8VJkG3w1uZu0GUDRmsihVCk4HhFJLd 9K_FiXUIQHu0pmJuErtkNCNqR26AXCtLtfLe6RHeJa-YNeUcP0prFRlAyLaWyOfNw0GLmqO67Ssm94LOoChrwVSt4/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_160813.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccD3LvvhKMCUD-bX4WEI684BvNoo4s8IeZxK59xGlGJczxJ-ryHM4D0M_ez4yxFHwU8r8VJkG3w1uZu0GUDRmsihVCk4HhFJLd 9K_FiXUIQHu0pmJuErtkNCNqR26AXCtLtfLe6RHeJa-YNeUcP0prFRlAyLaWyOfNw0GLmqO67Ssm94LOoChrwVSt4/s4000/IMG_20230716_160813.jpg)
After a brief chat with the pleasant girl behind the bar, wetook our drinks outside, joining several other groups of drinkers enjoying theafternoon sunshine. From our seats, we could see back across the Happy Valley, anddown to the High Rocks Halt, which is where the SVR trains call at, as theytravel back and forth along the line between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. Wewitnessed one of the trains pulling away, from the platform, and I managed to snapa quick photo.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9mskZvlczhYeuIDoqOfLwDmfTm4Z2aCIEWDDHrwKP mdgeubk826-NYkuaDeJblVmkIgKpUtwhF9iRFJ95aHWlbc6aSPhTPwwPGzF5U cP07bdL4i6VKTHFY7LTn56M_pT1Ho5QqoZJHgn3zfXkovYucIC b1_9ZG-t6PHdw7QnPUmUzYtdOEGSgQSHMs/w400-h224/High%20Rocks%20SVR.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9mskZvlczhYeuIDoqOfLwDmfTm4Z2aCIEWDDHrwKP mdgeubk826-NYkuaDeJblVmkIgKpUtwhF9iRFJ95aHWlbc6aSPhTPwwPGzF5U cP07bdL4i6VKTHFY7LTn56M_pT1Ho5QqoZJHgn3zfXkovYucIC b1_9ZG-t6PHdw7QnPUmUzYtdOEGSgQSHMs/s3930/High%20Rocks%20SVR.jpg)
The High Rocks will be the venue for the wedding of Eileen’s’niece Heidi, and her fiancé in just over a year's time, and there is another familyconnection with the complex too, because the magnificent, oak-beamed barn, which isused to host larger functions, was constructed by Heidi’s father, Brian. It beganlife as an old farm building, before being acquired by the owner of the High Rocksowner and being taken apart, transported to its new site, and then reassembled.It was quite a project, and Brian was rightly very proud of it. Brian died threeyears ago, right at the beginning of the pandemic, although his death was notCOVID related, so sadly he will not be there to give his youngest daughteraway.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAU-LfsAQtky-QfR9GBHva-tZnJWVh8gOIAtt3C-JHtPWScgISj0yDKiT--4kGo00rJ_U0bv2MGZ8Wn0Sc-wwMbD9Inr6ifS8JzxNrIENlb_LkdE9_vtyy-cXhAD2ZwPM7pu7QKVeUCjjLxl_hNIG1rXl27B_Y9Ptn0KbUiQ-o53to3UwDQ0DJSvZ1tY/w400-h225/IMG_20230716_154031.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAU-LfsAQtky-QfR9GBHva-tZnJWVh8gOIAtt3C-JHtPWScgISj0yDKiT--4kGo00rJ_U0bv2MGZ8Wn0Sc-wwMbD9Inr6ifS8JzxNrIENlb_LkdE9_vtyy-cXhAD2ZwPM7pu7QKVeUCjjLxl_hNIG1rXl27B_Y9Ptn0KbUiQ-o53to3UwDQ0DJSvZ1tY/s4000/IMG_20230716_154031.jpg)
The High Rocks themselves, occupy a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Site_of_Special_Scientific_Interest)to the west of Tunbridge Wells Spread over several acres the impressivesandstone rocks are interlinked with eleven bridges, to provide a scenic walkin a tranquil woodland setting. Once a Stone Age encampment, these ancient rocksare now a National Monument. Along with the nearby Harrison’s Rocks, theserocky crags form a world-renowned location for rock climbing. Theattraction is open daily from 10:00 until dusk except Boxing Day, apparently. Admission is £5per person, and tickets are available from the High Rocks Pub.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eY5KiOcbWusJlCeVRnFzR6zKAzXzcB5TfwGdyxIsEn KGGqcqgbY48-ArWFCbSvvRlf-5zTF_Z8Elki4rzX5p9jWR6mh0A-LZIn57v0-pp_NNVS1w9BzybOM-Yc6V6Ut7rWzeJc4N2YS6xhV3GhG9i7TYAZDRqPsbFN0fGURDLC rL4N83G30NMtvJROc/w400-h300/DSC00649.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eY5KiOcbWusJlCeVRnFzR6zKAzXzcB5TfwGdyxIsEn KGGqcqgbY48-ArWFCbSvvRlf-5zTF_Z8Elki4rzX5p9jWR6mh0A-LZIn57v0-pp_NNVS1w9BzybOM-Yc6V6Ut7rWzeJc4N2YS6xhV3GhG9i7TYAZDRqPsbFN0fGURDLC rL4N83G30NMtvJROc/s2048/DSC00649.JPG)
As with several other places of interest locally - Penshurst Place, Hever Castle,Chartwell and Ightham Mote, all spring to mind, I have never visited the High Rocksthemselves, but with such a reasonable admission charge there is no realexcuse. I have visited the High Rocks pub several times, the last time beingback in 2016, when a group of us, walked from Tunbridge Wells West station, toGroombridge, following one of the Link Routes of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk.I also remember a firm’s Christmas party being held there, many years ago.So, leaving the joys of the pub aside for a moment, Idefinitely feel that an hour or two spent exploring the High Rocks NationalMonument, would be £5 well spent, and I could always slake my thirst in thebar, afterwards. Thinking further outside the box, it would be good to travel eitherthere, or back, by means of the Spa Valley Railway.
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