What’s in a name?

THE DEVIL’S KNEADING TROUGH

Medieval superstitions suggested that the Devil shaped much of the English landscape and on the North Downs he is credited with creating a deep coombe called THE DEVIL’S KNEADING TROUGH which is a steep-sided valley that cuts 200 feet deep into a ridge of the Wye and Crundale Downs.

Although it has a fanciful name, it was probably formed by water erosion caused by the massive thaw that ended the ice age circa 8,000B.C.

However, THE DEVIL’S KNEADING TROUGH is part of the 250 acre Wye National Nature Reserve and houses a ¾ mile long nature trail through some of the finest stretches of chalk grassland and woodland of the North Downs.

The wonderful views that can be seen from our restaurant, which is situated over 550feet above sea level, take in the farmlands of the Great Stour valley to the West and the Weald beyond - stretching all the way to the Ashdown Forest some 40 miles away. Many kinds of orchids, together with Thyme and Rockrose are characteristic of the plants growing in the chalk turf.

Bird life includes Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Yellow Hammers and Nightingales (all of whom nest in the scrubs at the woodland edges). The woods, which are predominantly Ash, ring to the laughing call of the Green Woodpecker echoing amongst the trees.

Finally, the nature trail starts opposite our restaurant entrance so why not wander through our beautiful Kent countryside either before or after enjoying a meal (or snack) at our restaurant, which is a wonderful compliment to this beautiful part of the Garden of England.