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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.

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Eastbourne to Alfriston

Its raining and its an easy cycling day so there is no rush to get going. We have a leisurely breakfast and take our time.

Finally the rain stops and we set off at 1100. As I take my bike down the front path towards the road there is a familiar bumping sound and the whole bike is vibrating as I go down the steps - the rear tyre is flat! Doh! Off come the panniers again and spare tube found. Hands washed and 20 mins later we are off. We turn right out of the hostel and continue up the last bit of the hill. It is damp and misty so no view. The rain starts again and it is not so nice. We do Beachy Head looking for the BCQ but it is foggy/cloudy and wet. We split up and search around the cliff top with care but the BCQ is nowhere to be found, so we give up as we are getting cold. We head on to Haylsham for lunch and get a wee cafe. Arthur and Andy get the food from Tesco and we go back down the cycle way to Alfriston.

On the way we discover Route 2 cuts across our path but actually has a better run down to the coast via a woodland track. We go for it but soon find a minor obstacle. A small stream has burst its banks and we try to keep our feet dry crossing the stepping stones. It rains on and off though lighter, and we get damp feet anyway.

The hostel opens at 5 so we have 10 mins to wait.

Today its 26 miles.