swcwalks, swcwalk446, East Malling Circular. 21/5/26

Another wonderful wander through Kent undertaken on a gorgeous May afternoon. Mid twenties with a slight SW breeze. This variant, believed to be around 11 miles, doesn't follow the prescribed format to Teston (pronounced 'Teestun', apparently), but all the ground is covered, albeit in reverse in places; this walk has a number of options available. Lunch is also taken at Teston, rather than the recommended West Farleigh, for logistical purposes; there's both a shop and a church in the former. Thereafter, the short section of road-walking after Teston Bridge could be a bit dicey as it's quite busy, but the Medway Valley Walk after West Farleigh is quiet enough. Beyond Wateringbury, it's polytunnels (part of a research programme in the area, apparently), orchards and more woodlands (the tree shedding the white fluffy seeds is believed to be Black Poplar, not as I stated). This variant makes for a very good walk, which had good paths today. Nicely shaded for a sunny day and only distant jet-noise. Still no Cuckoo though! If you look carefully at 22.48, a frog is making full use of the water; I missed that on commentary!