Shelter to nowhere - Upchurch

This exploration was brief and informal, primarily focused on a roadside drop-off location. While it wasn’t particularly noteworthy, it provided a glimpse into the remnants of history. The area featured several air raid shelters that served their purpose during the war, offering protection to civilians during air raids. These shelters, now largely forgotten, stand as silent witnesses

Gillingham Abandoned Railway line

Location: Gillingham

date - November 2017    

Access - Nope

I explored these railway tracks for the first time in 2013 and returned with a friend in 2017. It felt like going back to where my exploration journey began. Not much has changed since my first visit, except the area has become overgrown. This time, we ventured all the way down to the entrance of ASDA, which now occupies the site where the old docks used to be located. The markings on the tracks indicated that they once led to those old docks. Additionally, we noticed a nuclear waste site nearby.

St Leonards Tower - West Malling

Since we live nearby, we decided to visit this historical site out of curiosity. Unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations. We had hoped for more engaging activities and insights during our stay. A major disappointment was the lack of access to St. Leonards Tower itself, which we were eager to explore. This limitation prevented us from fully appreciating the significance of the site. As for our schedule, we didn’t linger for long because we were heading home and wanted to avoid being stuck in traffic during the evening rush. According to the information provided at the site, St. Leonards Tower is a typical keep that was constructed between the years 1077 and 1108. It is believed that the tower sustained intentional damage to render it unusable by the military during the Civil War. This historical context adds a layer of intrigue, highlighting the tower's role in the region's tumultuous past, even though we couldn't experience it firsthand.

Balnakeil - scotland

This was our last stop of the day as we journeyed through the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. We paused to take in the stunning ruins of Balnakeil Church, which stand as a poignant reminder of the area’s rich history. Located in the charming hamlet of Balnakeil in the Scottish Highlands, these church ruins are recognized as a scheduled monument, reflecting their historical significance. The surrounding scenery, with its rolling hills and rugged coastline, enhanced the beauty of this serene site, making it a perfect place for reflection and appreciation of Scotland's heritage.

russian convoy memorial loch ewe - Scotland

On our journey to the next destination in Scotland, we decided to take a break and explore a noteworthy site along the NC500 route, where a Russian convoy had once passed. The weather was quite challenging, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds that whipped around us as we stepped out of the car. The location we visited used to be a military base, but now it stands in a state of disrepair, with crumbling structures and remnants of the past scattered across the landscape. Despite the ruins, the area was fascinating to explore. Peering into the decayed buildings and walking along the old pathways felt like stepping back in time. As we wandered, we encountered a few other curious individuals who were also interested in the site. It was nice to share our thoughts with fellow explorers, exchanging stories about what drew us to this place. I took some time to search for more information about the history and significance of the ruins, but unfortunately, I couldn't find much online to satisfy my curiosity. The mystery of the site only added to its allure, making it a memorable stop on our adventure.