Essex Man Does Walking

So to be honest I have planned everything out from where to stay to where to eat. I did look at a few highlights on the maps and my guide as well.

I thought it would be interesting to see what ChatGPT can come up with. I wondered whether this could have saved me time when planning my route.

So here is a copy of the info ChatGPT worked out. It isn’t bad and probably would have sped up the process a bit.

Day 1: Farnham to Puttenham

• Terrain: Woodland paths and open countryside.
• Food stops: Limited in Puttenham, but there’s the Good Intent pub.
• Highlights: Historic town of Farnham, open heathland, views of the Hogs Back ridge.

Day 2: Puttenham to Dorking

• Terrain: Rolling wooded hills and farmland.
• Food stops: Guildford (en route) has many pubs and cafes. There’s also the café at Newlands Corner.
• Highlights: Newlands Corner viewpoint, Silent Pool, Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking.

Day 3: Dorking to Caterham

• Terrain: Steep climbs and descents; woodland trails.
• Food stops: Pubs and cafes in Box Hill and Merstham; Caterham has a full range of shops.
• Highlights: Box Hill, Reigate Hill, historic churches in Merstham.

Day 4: Caterham to Sevenoaks

• Terrain: Open ridgelines and woodland, with scenic valleys.
• Food stops: Westerham is a great midway stop, with several pubs and tearooms.
• Highlights: Westerham village (home of Churchill), Chartwell nearby, lovely views from Betsoms Hill.

Day 5: Sevenoaks to Rochester

• Terrain: Mixed woodland and fields with gentle slopes.
• Food stops: Otford and Cuxton have pubs and shops. Rochester has many food options.
• Highlights: Otford Palace ruins, Rochester Castle and Cathedral.

Day 6: Rochester to Oakview Holiday Park

• Terrain: Rural farmland and woods.
• Food stops: Upper Halling or Burham for pub stops. Bring snacks as facilities are sparse.
• Highlights: Medway Valley views, Pilgrims Way landscapes.

Day 7: Oakview – Dunn Street Farm Campsite

• Terrain: Peaceful chalk downland.
• Food stops: Lenham and Charing for cafes and pubs.
• Highlights: Lenham Cross war memorial, medieval village of Charing.

Day 8: Dunn Street – Folkestone

• Terrain: Wye Downs and hilly terrain towards the coast.
• Food stops: Wye and Folkestone have various options.
• Highlights: Wye Crown chalk figure, The Warren, Folkestone Creative Quarter.

Day 9: Folkestone – Dover

• Terrain: Coastal paths and dramatic cliffs.
• Food stops: Capel-le-Ferne (small café), Dover full services.
• Highlights: Battle of Britain Memorial, Samphire Hoe, White Cliffs, Dover Castle.