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Strood to Canterbury

The extra hour to GMT was welcome last night as we did not get to bed as early as we would have liked. Calum did the kitchen honours and produced a four course veggie extravaganza: tortillas and cheese, veggie meatballs and spaghetti, tiramisu , cheesecake and creme fraiche !

We set off at 930 with a 3 mile ride to join The Pilgrims Cycle Trail, this is part of a 200 mile trail from Canterbury to Glastonbury. The trail starts off (for us) as a quiet lane heading in a SE direction for Ashford some 25 miles away. This is a nice road with open views to the south for miles and passing some very old buildings with Oast towers attached. These old kiln buildings were used to dry the Hops which used to grow here but have been converted into houses with a bit of history attached. 

Sally suffered from a problem with her chain slipping but 'Scottish Cycle Doctor' Calum came to the rescue.

The trail soon became an off-road route and a bit muddy in places. However there are pleasant stretches with trees and shrubs forming a tunnel to cycle through. Time was wearing on and we had done 17 miles in 3 hours, so lunch was taken in a pub on the trail rather than going to Ashford which was still an hour away. This now meant we could bypass Ashford and save 6 miles.  Running out of daylight was an issue so this was agreed on. 

5pm and we have still got 5 miles to go, lights on now with 2 miles of road and 3 miles of cycle route.

We go first to the Cathedral which is impressive then stop at a Tesco express for food. The hostel is next, and it looks very nice.

39 miles for today. 

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This travel day had everyone heading for Medway Youth Hostel, Gillingham, where we were to meet for our evening meal and renew acquaintances.

Calum had taken the sleeper friday night from Inverness and did a solo ride taking in the Naval museum at Chatham Dockyard on the way.

Trevor had driven down friday night and stayed with Alan. They had a great cycle across London taking in some of the sights such as the Tower and Tower Bridge.

Sally and Bert drove up today.

Arthur and Andy got a train from Glasgow at 0830 then another at St Pancras at 1600, arriving at Strood the same time as Calum.

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Canterbury to Folkstone

Canterbury hostel has been refurbished recently and was very comfy. Sadly Alan had to leave the tour as his mum was not well.

We say our goodbyes in the hostel car park and Bert gives Alan a big hug!

Sally's bike is needing a bike shop so that is first job today. The job is to take 45 minutes so we get a coffee while waiting. The shop say it needs a new cassette and chain which is what Calum had said.

Sally is very happy when she gets it back and says it is like a brand new bike, very smooth. We leave Canterbury at 1130 and 19 miles later we are at lunch in Sandwich.  The route has been on good roads and mainly quiet. The views have been very good which surprised me. Next we head for Deal and get on the coast road to Dover. There is a good cycle path here alongside the road and soon we get our first view of the White Cliffs.

The Sustrans Route 1 goes to the right of the cliff and up a steady gradient for a kilometre then its along the top before a good run down into Dover. The loss of height can only mean one thing, another steady climb up the other side. Light is fading fast and we need our lights to pick our way along the route.

We leave Dover and have 6 miles up and over to Folkestone along a mixed route of gravel or muddy grass. We are treated to a good run down into Folkestone as the main road is closed to traffic for resurfacing - except cycles - so we have a half mile to ourselves.  We find Sunny Lodge Guest House and are amazed to be told we can store our bikes in the dining room! Our hosts Mike and Shelley are very friendly and helpful. Shower, food and then we are back in bed for 1045.  The fresh air and exercise has tired us out. Tomorrow is the longest day with 60 miles so no late night tonight. 

Today we did 43 miles. 

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Folkestone to Eastbourne

Long day ahead so we try and get off at 9 prompt. We get back to the seafront and onto Route 2. A pleasant ride along the front watching out for the many dogs getting their early morning exercise.  Routes one and two both start at Dover, hence the new route to follow.

Its a strong SW breeze blowing and its not behind us! We get to Hythe for the first BCQ which seems to be an ambiguous question. How many lines leave the railway station? There are 4 platforms but 50yds away we can see the 4 lines go into 2, so how many is it? Where does the station stop? A good question which leaves us scratching our heads and gives something to mull over on the next part of the route which runs along the side of an old military canal. This is very quiet and autumn is well on the way with a good carpet of leaves on the path. 

The sun is trying to come out but never makes it. There is a kind of haze and some occasional blue skies. We have a brief stop for a snack and drink and adjust layers for the temp. It is cool but not too cold. We are still on Route 2 and heading SW towards Dungeness though we are not going through there. This area is very flat and on the map is shown as Romney Marsh and Walland Marsh. The village of Burmarsh is our next waypoint followed by St Mary in the Marsh which has a tall spire on the church. We can see the spire from miles away and to me it seems to take ages to get to it, the road taking a rather staggered route which is probably why it is called Donkey Street.(only as far as Burmarsh)

We miss New Romney but go through Old Romney to get to Lydd. As we enter the village we spot an old Ford Consul. It looks in concours condition. It is 1145 and I would welcome a stop but the feeling is to get to Rye for lunch as this is halfway. It pays off as we get a good lunch at the Quay Cafe. 

The next objective is Battle for another BCQ answer. It is 1645 and it is dark before we get to the Abbey built where the famous Battle in 1066 took place.  

The traffic is really heavy and we find a quieter road to get back down to the coast at Bexhill. There are only 4 of us now as David and Sally take the train to Eastbourne after lunch. We pick up NCN Route 2 again and scoot along a wee road next to the railway then its only 5 miles to the hostel on the far side of Eastbourne, up a long steep hill, to the top! The hostel is modern and has an open plan lounge/kitchen.

Phew, I am glad to get off the bike and have a nice shower. David and Sally have done the meal, mushrooms in stilton, shepherds pie, baked rice pudding. Mmm. We are more than ready for it. 

The days total is 70 miles.