Blue Bell Hill is situated between Maidstone and Rochester, on a chalk hill overlooking the upper part of the River Medway. The picnic site gives a spectacular panoramic view over the Medway Valley and paths lead off along the North Downs Way. Bring binoculars and camera. I have never seen the landscape under snow or stayed long enough to capture a sunset here. If you have such a photo, please put it on Panoramio/Google Earth for the rest of us to admire!

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
View left (south). In my dreams, this view would make a much better Picture Of The Day every day, with the constantly changing light, weather and foliage throughout the year. But how would other work get done, I wonder?

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
View ahead (south-west). Overgrown quarry in foreground – with binoculars you will see rabbits.

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
View right (west). The dark field centre is a quarry reclaimed by plant life.

Blue Bell Hill Rochester

Metal fence at bottom of grassy slope. Do not let children climb it – sheer drops into quarry, hidden by foliage. Report any defects to the Countryside Access Service at Kent County Council explorekent@kent.gov.uk   www.kent.gov.uk

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
Camera over the fence to get view of hillside quarry, worked in 18th and 19th centuries.

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Blue Bell Hill Rochester
Grey day shows up the bends in the infant River Medway. The hamlet front right is Burham and far side of the river is Snodland, which appears to derive its name from a settler called Snod or Snodda.

Blue Bell Hill Rochester

Artist capturing the view. Follow the path for . . .

 
Blue Bell Hill Rochester

. . . the North Downs Way, with simple plank benches at intervals.

Blue Bell Hill Rochesterx
Well maintained gates, presumably to deter bikes and other wheels destructive to plant life, and soil which is generally thin on chalkland.

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
Choice of paths to be made. Trees, shrubs, chalkland plants and birds will satisfy all interests, and the magnificent views are in no way obscured by the greenery. On the contrary, there are many photo-opportunities to enhance the composition, with a framing of leaves and branches to increase the sense of depth and distance.

 
Blue Bell Hill Rochester

You have to purposely navigate to this site from the A229 or M2, as its location is not one that you are likely to pass en route to anywhere. There is room for about 20 cars at the picnic site. This is a very quiet and peaceful place and only the desire to avoid rush hour traffic encourages us to "make a move, then".

The stone is a memorial to three members of Kent Air Ambulance Service who lost their lives in a helicopter crash near the village of Burham in 1998. The men's dedicated service with Kent Air Ambulance saved the lives of many people. The Trust relies entirely on donations and fund-raising, and receives no help from the Government, NHS or Lottery funds. Their fund-raising merchandise includes many helicopter-themed models and toys, ideal for children with this interest, and your birthday/Christmas money will support KAA rather than an anonymous toy shop.

www.kentairambulance.co.uk states:
"Flying fast, direct and unhindered at over 150mph the Kent Air Ambulance Service can reach any part of Kent within 15 minutes flying time and can transport patients to the nearest major hospital or specialist unit in a fraction of the time taken by land ambulance." "Saving Time – Saving Life"

Place Name I have never seen bluebells here, but this website www.aerialsandtv.com/bluebellhilltx.html gives a hint as to the possible origin of the name, info gained from one George Wise, "It refers to a Blue Bell which used to summon the horses to draw the vehicles up the hill between Maidstone and Chatham."

Blue Bell Hill Rochester
Upper Bell Inn building in Mill Lane, Aylesford (opposite Common Road that leads to the picnic site) boarded up and in need of some TLC and investment (Aug 2009). Each time I go past I am hoping someone will have rescued the building. Maybe providing refreshments for North Downs Way/Pilgrims Way walkers?

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