Ashford - Challock - Charing- for Beginner Bushcraft?

[Gabby]

Hi All,
This is my first post, so hope its in the correct sub-section.
I am a newbie to bushcraft and wanting to explore the not so far Kent Downs...Can anyone recommend a safe area with open spaces and plenty woodland for a weekend trial?

I'm thinking of getting the train to Ashford, walking to Challock, possibly diverting off into Kings wood and ending in Charing. I'm not in a mad rush to cover masses of distance, just want to relax and be close to amenities in case of bad weather etc..

I am solo lightweight gal so just taking my 3 season SB, bivy, tarp and self inflating pad. Stove/food, water, compass, knife, headlight etc...Planning to go in next few weeks, temperature is fine for me as long as it doesn't downpour.

Any tips would be appreciated... Gabriella :cool:

[jus_young]

Welcome to the community Gabriella, I'm sure someone from the area will be along to help soon.

[Ehecatl]

Hello Gabby & welcome.

I used to hail from Kent and my former neighbour has a bit of land near Yalding. We'll let you know when we're there next.

M@

[ian c]

Hi Gabby and welcome,
You could have a look at inside M25 meet they are a good bunch and its a good way to learn from others, hope this helps.

[Humakt]

Kings Wood at Challock is a nice big area of woodland, but it can sometimes be busy (although now the weather is turning the number of casual strollers always go down).
If I was you I would head to the other side of the A28 - and explore all those woods between Wye and Petham. It's quieter there.

[midas]

Hi Gabby,welcome to the forum,nice to have the femine touch,Hope your trip goes well.you'd be welcome at my :campfire: anytime.but think its a bit out of your way!

[Whistle]

Kings Wood at Challock is a nice big area of woodland, but it can sometimes be busy (although now the weather is turning the number of casual strollers always go down).


Hi Gabby ... Have to agree with with Humakt ... Kings Wood can be very busy ...

lots of regular dog walkers early morning dog walkers at that ...

and they tend to be every season all year round !!!

Last time I visited there were a lot of mountain bikers charging around at night ...

whooping it up with bright headlights and helmet light beams shining everywhere ...

quite spookey when you're trying to be quiet and stealthy !!!

Cheers Whistle

[OakAshandThorn]

T^ Dia duit, Gabby - fáilte go dtí an bpobal Bushcraft :camping:

[Ehecatl]

Thinking about it Gabby, there's http://badgellswoodcamping.co.uk/ and very near there is Whitehorse woods that I know another forum member has stealth camped in. I appreciate that it's not as far east as Challock but it's certainly a nice part of Blighty.

[Gabby]

Thank you to everyone for your tips and insight of the areas... I def dont fancy any bright lights, bikes or dogs walkers! I will give Wye and Petham a go then as suggested by Humakt.

Hoping for a semi dry weekend soon before it gets too cold... Thanks Again Gabby:cool:

[Gabby]

Oh thats great.. Geographically its all new to me, so always good to have plenty options!! Thank you

[Ehecatl]

Oh thats great.. Geographically its all new to me, so always good to have plenty options!! Thank you

Gabby - short notice I know but as you may have read we're meeting in Kent (Yalding this weekend).

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?8481-Inside-m25-October-meet

[Gabby]

Hi Ehecatl
Id love to go, but feel slightly self-concious about my lack of skills and experience at the moment.

Perhaps after a few solo weekends and learnt a bit from my (many) mistakes then I will join you guys... Besides I still have to overcome my irrational fear of sleeping alone in the woods; so will give you all something to laugh about!! ;)

Thanks again and kind of you to invite me..

[Ehecatl]

I felt the same at first but rather than build up slowly I just went for it. I was very surprised how much port I could drink and cheese I could eat in a single night. But then the Breakfast Club are excellent teachers! :happy-clapping:

[ian c]

Gabby as Ehecatl has already said you would be more than welcome and there are people that have skills, if there is something that you would like to learn all you need to do is ask.

[Ehecatl]

Noooooo. Gabby will end up full of saturated fat and fortified wine..... :oops:

[Tony1948]

Gabby if you don't wont to stay the night,Wye not come down for the day and have a look at our set ups and what we get up to,ATb........Tony.........don't get eaten by the Bears.