Wye in Kent: On top of the Hill
One of my favourite Picnic spots near Ashford, in Kent, is the vast green area at the top of the hills in the village of Wye. Beside the village being picturesque with ancient houses and a beautiful church and garden, if you drive through Wye and further up the road through the forest, the hills offer a great viewpoint over the Kent area, also lovely at sunset.
In good weather, there is also a nice walk along the path down the hills, with lots of small wild flowers in the spring. We usually have a few days of snow in the winter, which is when everyone rushes there with sledges (or estate agent sign boards!) to risk their life down the slopes. In this extraordinary weather, driving through the forest is surreal as the trees curve under the weight of the ice and snow, creating a tunnel of icy branches.
If like me, you are local, check out The Sleepy Ladybird written by Henri Renard and illustrated by . . . me. It is a children book about a grumpy ladybird called Oliver, 2 children and a Labrador for 3 - 6 year olds and is available in Waterstones (in the new Ashford shopping centre). Hope your children or grand-children enjoy it . . . the book and the picnic spot!
Caroline Bailey
