Three go exploring

Yesterday Little dog went to Grandma's for the weekend where she will be spoiled rotten. I joined two of my mates Pete and Steve for a walk through 500 acre wood (100 Aker wood in the Winnie the Pooh stories) and Crowborough Warren. Shortly after entering the wood we  disturbed a herd of about twelve Fallow deer and I was lucky enough to get one fleeting photograph of them from a distance before they ran off.

Fallow deer in 500 acre wood


None of us is that familiar with Crowborough Warren but I was aware of an old Pack horse bridge which is a good location for photography. We found the bridge fairly easily but it was difficult to take good photographs of it, as it is set in a steep sided gorge, covered in vegetation and surrounded by fallen trees.

The old Pack horse bridge in Crowborough Warren


In the past this valley had been dammed to create a large pond which supplied water to power a mill. However the dam had failed sometime in the 1950's (apparently) and the pond had drained away. We were like three explorers on our Boys own adventure as we walked up stream looking for remains of this dam. Thinking that we would only find the odd stone we were surprised and delighted when we came across the dam which stood about five metres high spanning the steep sided valley.

The old mill dam

Nature has reclaimed this valley for it's own. It  is now covered in trees forming a green canopy over the rusty red stream, more evidence of the old iron industry. This valley is a hidden jewel in the Forest. After taking loads of photographs, we ate our lunch alongside this tranquil stream, making plans to return and carry out further explorations later in the year.

The hidden jewel of the Forest


We returned to our cars via Wrens Warren valley with it's large skies and views northwards towards Kents Greensand ridge and the North Downs.  A really great days walking in good company.