Enjoy a weekend walk with a friendly crowd and play your part in marking the historic anniversary of the First World War by taking part in the fourth of our 2014 series of What’s On walks, led by expert Geoff Rambler.

The beautiful Kent countryside was just made for summer strolls.

And there’s no better way to reflect on the role the county played in the First World War during this commemorative year than by exploring the Great Outdoors.

That’s why What’s On has teamed up with seasoned expert Geoff Rambler – real name Geoff Ettridge – for a series of free guided walks over the coming months. Each one has been carefully planned not only to take in some fascinating locations but also to look back on the impact the First World War had on the Kent landscape.

On Saturday, June 28, Geoff’s walk from Ightham Mote to Knole House at Sevenoaks, will hear about the impact of the war on country estates.

Geoff said: “My series of What’s On walks for 2014 continues to take us to the places across the county that formed part of our defensive home front, as well as those that felt the devastating impact of the war.

“I will recount stories of people, places and events linked to the particular places we will pass through.

“My hope is that the walks will bring some connection with historical events that will be covered extensively by documentary makers over the next four years.

“The walks – which take place on Saturdays throughout the year – will be enjoyed by those who just want to walk, those who are curious about local history.

“All the walks are free but there will be a collection at the end for the Royal British Legion.”

THIS WEEKEND’S WALK

IGHTHAM MOTE TO KNOLE Saturday, June 28, departing at 10am

A 7.5-mile circular walk from Ightham Mote car park, postcode TN15 0NT

“On this walk we will consider how aristocratic families and stately homes were affected by the war,” says Geoff.

“Staff were lost and those who returned did not want to return to a life ‘in service’. Many owners of country estates also lost their heirs. What’s more, post-war taxation made the inheritance of a large estate a serious financial liability.

“This walks also affords us the opportunity to consider the heroic actions of Acting Capt Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC, of Ightham Mote, and the less patriotic actions of Lady Sackville, who tried to use her friendship with Lord Kitchener to get a safe deployment for her husband and to hold on to her staff.

“Much is rightly made of the high loss of life among the troops but the highest mortality rate was for junior officers. These young men were the first to heroically leave the trenches to lead their men in an attack, and thereby presenting themselves as an obvious target for snipers.”

“The first quarter of the walk is strenuous but we have fantastic views of the Weald. Once we’ve reach One Tree Hill, where we can rest and enjoy the view, the hard work is done.

It’s then downhill to Knole where we will be able to have a good rest before taking the a less demanding route back to Ightham Mote.

This walk contains a wide range of walking experiences – some hills but with great views, woodland walking, parks and farmland. The car park where we’re meeting at Ightham is free for members of the National Trust.” Geoff Rambler

Free family fun

Geoff Rambler has just come to the end of a three-month pilot scheme of walks at Knole House.

“Wow, what an experience its been – parents, children and grandparents all sharing in the joy of being or working together,” says Geoff. “Over this period 390 people, half of them children, have joined me on Sunday family strolls of adventure.

“If anyone has any doubts for the future, relax! Based on spending many hours in the company of youngsters who I’ve never met before, I found there’s a brilliant up-and-coming generation.

Geoff challenges readers: I will be leading more 30-minute family strolls in Knole House on Sunday, June 29, at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, and again on Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28.

All walks leave from the outdoor cafe at Knole House. They are free and open to all – just turn up and join in.”