Following the Folly is a 27 cache (26 + bonus) circular walk of around 6.5km (4miles) along bridleways and footways. As per the original, but shorter, Fruitcakes Folly this route also has a few short inclines but the need to take flares, ice axes, fog horn or Yeti trap should, in normal weather conditions, not be necessary. It is though not suitable for buggies, wheelchairs and the like. You will also need to walk along a short section of Wormdale Hill so please be wary of traffic especially if you have younger children or dogs with you.
Most of the walk is in relatively quiet and unspoilt countryside however the section between cache numbers 1 and 8 runs parallel to the A249 so some traffic noise does disturb the peace. Although a route occasionally used by horses, the short section between 1 and 2 can get quite overgrown with brambles but some recent clearance work has helped here.
Footpath ZR69 is obstructed by orchards - you will come across this after cache no10. Due to the risk of trespass while trying to negotiate a route around the obstructions I enquired with KCC Public Rights Of Way dept as to what the best course of action was to take and their very quick and helpful response was as follows:-
“…….public footpath ZR69 (also parts of ZR70) are obstructed by orchards and have been for many years. Kent County Council has been in discussion with the landowner about diverting the footpaths so that it improves access for the public and makes managing the orchard more efficient. For various reasons an application has not been forthcoming as yet, there are several parties involved.
In the meantime it is possible to walk around the corner of the orchard next to the motorway and then follow a farm track that runs parallel to ZR69 to Thrognall Farm. As members of the public you are allowed to bypass obstructions on a public right of way so long as you do not pass on to another person’s land. The alternative route described above is not official but it is all on the same landowners ground so there is not a question of trespass……”
Based on this information some caches have been placed to follow the recommended ‘alternative route/diversion’.
Caches are a mixture of different types and are placed to be found – there is the odd one that may prove more challenging but the individual D/T ratings will reflect these. An extraction device will definitely come in handy. Co-ords should be pretty precise but where tree cover exists then the hints should make up for any inaccuracy. Please refrain from using stamps/stickers on the nano log sheets as they take up extra space and force additional maintenance runs.Some caches will contain numbers for the BONUS – you are looking for numbers against the letters A-D.
Suggested parking is on-street at the south end of Chestnut Street near the start of the route. The location is near to steps that take you up to the bridge that crosses the A249. O/S Explorer Map 148 covers the cache route. Have fun!
From No1 continue along the footpath running parallel to the A249 (this next 100m or so section can get muddy in winter and overgrown in summer
).