Читать книгу Walking in Kent. 40 circular short walks and day walks онлайн

45 страница из 58

The path brings you to a second kissing gate and a footbridge over a stream. Rise up the left-hand side of the next meadow, then over a stile continue up 134 steps between gardens to pass a thatched cottage half hidden behind a fence and shrubs. Coming onto a lane opposite a converted oasthouse once owned by Octavia Hill, turn left for about 400 metres until reaching the B2026 shortly after passing the attractive Froghole Farm (built 1559).

At least a dozen oasthouses stand in and around Crockham Hill, proving that the village was once at the heart of a major hop growing region. Wild hops may still be seen growing among the hedgerows, but Kent’s commercial hop industry has declined dramatically since the Second World War, and there are now no hop gardens left in this corner of the county. Much of this decline is due to competition from abroad, and other economic factors. On Walk 9, the oasthouse at Bough Beech Visitor Centre contains a small but interesting display all about hop growing, and is recommended.