8th JAN. Court Farm, UPPER HALLING to Brasted Hill Farm nr.KNOCKHOLT

We left Court Farm before 8 making our way back onto the NDW again fairly high up around 170 metres. Views were not to good due to the trees again. We got our best view as we descended from Holly Hill and even the sun shone.
As we approached and entered Trosley Country Park the numbers of dog walkers increased. As it was now 9.45 we stopped next to the Trim Trail,  a series of exercise props for would be fitness bods. We did a few dips before retiring to the sun and scoffed high calorific biscuits. A mile on we popped in for a coffee at the parks info/ cafe centre. Surprised to find it and was pleasantly welcome,  even an external tap,  a rare thing on this trail. Infact in comparison to the South Downs Way this is very poor for water on route,  unless you can afford the pub prices....I wish I could.
Alot of the route was ok,  a few muddy spots but generally ok to Otford. We had wanted to get biscuits in Otford but all there seemed to be was pubs,  several, and antique shops. Walking out we passed a closed newsagents,  it was lunch time,  sods law!
We passed a field of lavender,  obviously not in flower and crossed a railway and went to the Crown pub for a half.We sat outside, our boots were muddy and the removal would almost have been worse. It was so warm and cosy inside and I think we would still be there now.
We crossed the M25 and made our way up Star Hill sweating. We gained the top and had a trip of mud. It was fairly flat and the next few miles boggy.
At 4.10 we asked at Brasted Hill Farm,  avoiding the Great Dane x Dolbermann dogs, apparently they were ok as long as with their owner. Luckily ee were asking the owner for the pitch. We were put in a field with a blind horse so did not put out guylines!
My ankle was sore,  I was tired and keen to climb in the sleeping bag. I was asleep before 7.