DAYSOUT
Folklore and Fairytales cont... stony steps to its magical heartbeat where thunder claps and mythical creatures will lead you through the grotto and back above ground. If you look closely enough, you’ ll see a sculptured fountain of a green face with all-seeing eyes; a mysterious folklore character known as the Green Man, he is often depicted in the pillars of churches or above the doorsteps of people’ s homes when not overlooking Leeds Castle’ s grotto. Originating from pre-Christian times, many have connected his foliage-covered motif to Pan, the Greek god of forests. Symbolising rebirth, it’ s said that the Green Man is a protector from evil forces and a reminder of the resilience of nature. He doesn’ t look too friendly when his eyes glow fluorescent red, though...
Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, Reculver english-heritage. org. uk
Dominating the skyline of Herne Bay, the twin towers of Reculver’ s medieval church have long been a navigation marker for ships at sea. Once the site of an early Roman fort built against the Saxon raids, they then became the site of an Anglo- Saxon monastery and soon after, the parish church for Reculver. In the 12th century, the tall towers were built during a remodel of the church and, almost a millennium later, walkers, hikers and history enthusiasts still visit the ruins of Reculver’ s Roman fort.
Today, the towers and fort are a hotspot for photographers looking to capture their presence over the cliff-dressed landscape. With low tide being the best time to explore the beach, many choose to visit at sunrise or sunset when the entire area glows with pink, blue and golden hues of light. From rock pools and rare butterflies to flourishing flora and soaring birds, it’ s no wonder that Reculver has an air of natural mysticism and intrigue that its visitors so deeply seek to capture, especially during our hemisphere’ s longest hours of daylight.
Ightham Mote Circular Walk to Oldbury Hill, Sevenoaks nationaltrust. org. uk
A medieval manor house hidden away in a secluded Kent valley, Ightham Mote was built almost 700 years ago using Kentish ragstone and great Wealden oaks. Where tranquil gardens are watered by natural springs near to a beautiful orchard, the wider estate offers storybook walks with secret glades and countryside views.
With the Mote Cafe on your left-hand side, visitors can proceed through the wooded parking area to a gap in the fencing signposted with a green walk marker. Following a path along Mote Road and into the mixed woodland, walkers will soon pass quaint cottages, flourishing fish ponds and an old quarry dating back to Roman times. Most intriguing of all is the ancient watering hole, which may look like a pond and spring to the naked eye, but has been known by locals as a spot where fairies and nymphs dance across the water. As you explore the ancient woodlands, make sure to look out for toadstools or rings of mushrooms round trees, as those are said to be signs that fairies are near.
Kit’ s Coty House and Little Kit’ s Coty House, Aylesford english-heritage. org. uk
Two megalithic dolmen chambers- a type of tomb with a large flat stone laid upon upright ones- these two monuments are some of the most mystical in Kent. The larger of the two, Kit’ s Coty House consists of three upright stones with a huge capstone, whereas Little Kit’ s Coty remains as a jumble of around 20 sarsens. Stones that are much like the ones you’ ll find at Stongehenge, they are believed to have been constructed during the early Neolithic period as communal burial sites.
Offering stunning views across the Medway Valley and North Downs, these two chambers stand in open fields for visitors to explore. Built long before any reliable records could be made, many locals speculate their origin and what secrets they could be concealing underneath the
KIT’ S COTY HOUSE IGHTHAM MOTE
36 • www. insidekent. co. uk