Only the Brave

It's a very safe bet that almost nobody reading this blog has fished Beat 5, certainly not in recent years. Most of you won't have even tried Beat 4, at least not beyond the short left-bank stretch below the Green Concrete Bridge, where we've put in several ladders, steps and some deflectors.

If you want some 'commando-style fishing' or at least a quiet and more adventurous beat, then cross over that bridge and follow the river down Beat 4 to where it forks, and on your right will be Beat 5. If you're fit enough, you can walk there from Harpers, or you can refer to the Beat Map and head for the 'P' down near the end of Beat 4, which is accessed as follows:

Follow the Goudhurst Road towards Horsmonden, over the Stone Bridge, and after a mile or so turn right onto Grovehurst Lane. Follow that until it bears left but keep straight on into Schoolhouse Lane and follow that until you see Northiam Farm ahead of you and turn right down a track past some cottages and you will see a field gate on the left with a TAOA sign and our combination lock. Follow that track down until you find a dried-up riverbed and park beside the track there.

It's a short walk to the river itself. Cross the wooden bridge and turn left and follow the river to where it divides. You can then proceed down the right bank of Beat 5, as far as Sheephurst Lane (no access at that end).

You can access the river at various points and can wade up most of it, perhaps climbing in and out at some deep sections; chest waders are advisable, and a wading stick. You probably won't see many Trout, but there are certainly Grayling, Dace, Chub etc, at least, and some lovely stretches of river. Leave the river before you get close to the river fork.

One reason I know all this is because a brave band of volunteers ventured down there today to clear the riverside paths and access points, and even put in a few new sets of steps.

In fact I have fished it myself some time ago, before the luxury of the steps, and it was a very memorable and worthwhile day. When you get fed up of Harpers and Trottenden, maybe give this a try, and spare a thought for Chris, Keith, Niall, Nigel, Mark, Matt, and myself, having done our best to prepare it for you.

We weren't there just to chat and consume coffee and doughnuts really, but that was quite an important element.

You can also access Beat 6, by turning downstream before the wooden bridge but we can't claim any credit for helping with that beat, so don't expect steps or ladders, but still worth a visit when you're feeling fit and adventurous.

Tight Lines

PeterB