Norton walk

Park in the car park of St Mary Church, Norton - off Provender Lane - Lewson Street. A generally flat route that takes us from Lewson Street to Painter's Forstal via Provender. We return to our start via farmland and orchards. Total ascent 485 feet. We pass Provender, at Norton, that was reputedly a hunting lodge of the Black Prince. It was later home to the exiled Prince Andrew of Russia (nephew of the murdered Tsar Nicholas II).

Between 1939 and 1949 it was used by Field Marshal Montgomery as one of his headquarters. Provender has never been rebuilt - it is a medieval house that has grown in accordance with the needs of its occupiers. Pub at end 7 miles.