Day 7 Tanners Hatch to London and Home.

I awoke about 0615 and heard Trevor slipping out the dorm. He was leaving early to get home for early afternoon. Fell asleep again then got up at 0700. I realised the 2 walkers in our dorm had also gone but I had not heard them, they were intending to leave about 6 as well.

Porridge for breakfast again for some of the team, it is a great fuel for cycling. We finally got away about 9.45  but pushing the bikes, not cycling, for the first quarter mile out of the forest. Arthur, Calum and I said goodbye to David and Sally who were getting the train from Dorking, while we three were going up Box Hill which was nearby.

Box Hill Visitor Centre. 

It was a fairly steady climb but not difficult. We were overtaken by many club racers out for their saturday cycle frenzy.

By the time we got to the top and took some photos, a quick calculation made us realise we needed to get the train to Waterloo as time was running short to catch our Glasgow train at 1330. Getting out of Waterloo was easy once we found the right direction to go and then a rather pleasant cycle in the bus lanes up to Euston. 

We got food for the journey and only had to wait a few minutes until the platform for our train was announced. The journey north was fairly quick and we checked the trains speed at 125mph on our various Apps.

In Glasgow at 1800 and its light rain. Calum is getting the train to Inverness via Aberdeen due to work on the direct line. I cycled home returning just as the heavens opened but getting a mostly dry ride. 

It has been a good week with amazing weather for the time of year. Looking forward to next years trip in August. 

22 miles for me today and 300 for me for the week. 

Day 6 Littlehampton to Tanners Hatch

The warden, Carol, made us feel very welcome last night. The hostel is very new and everything works for a change!

Arundel Castle. 

We head north up the A road to Fittleworth where 3 of us detour to get a BCQ at Stopham- the old bridge which was rebuilt in 1822. 

Stopham Bridge

We were supposed to meet up for lunch but somehow lines got crossed and we were 6 miles apart. We rendezvoued at Tismans Common then aimed for Cranleigh and a Sainsburys for food. 

Light was fading for the final 10 miles to the hostel which is 1km into forest. Ig is steeped in charzcter this place. Outside showers and loos but a log fire and power generator for comfort. 

47 miles today and some nice scenery. 

Day 5 Alfriston to Littlehampton

Wow, sun and blue sky and it feels very warm. There is no warm-up before a hill today as we continue up the hill the Hostel lives on. A brief dip down and then another long up. However it is payback time and we get a good run down to the sea. 

We are on a road for a bit but then a nice section pf promenade along to Brighton for lunch. On the way we pass Roedene School, it looks amazing. 

The Barefoot Cafe.....

Yes its a banana milkshake for me! 

It is nearly hot now and more like the Med. Brighton is heaving with people enjoying the amazing weather and Trevor basks in the sun. 

An hour for lunch and its back in the saddle and back following route 2. The coast is busy with everyone enjoying a day out. There are not really any more hills today as we are mainly on the promenade or close to it. 

Food is bought at Asda then shared between is to carry the last 4 miles to the hostel. We are going to be early so we stop at Nelson Bar near the hostel fpr a glass of something. 

It has been a very good cycle yoday. 

Todays total is 40 miles. 

Day 4 Eastbourne to Alfriston

A damp start today so we delay as much as possible.

Eastbourne Hostel

 Finally the rain stops and we set off at 1100. As i took my bike down the front path there is a familiar bumping sound - rear tyre is flat! 

20 mins later we are off. The rain starts again and it is not so nice. We do Beachy Head but it is fog/cloud and wet. We head on to Haylsham for lunch and get a wee cafe. Arthur and I get the food from Tesco and we go back down the cycle way to Alfrington. 

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. 

It rains on and off though lighter, and we have wet feet anyway.

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

Alfriston Hostel (soon to close down)

 Today its 26 miles 

Day 3 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. 

Its a strong SW breeze blowing and its not behind us! We get to Hythe for the first BCQ and then head along 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 now crossing Romney Marsh which is a huge area to the north of Dungeness. We miss New Romney but 

go through Old Romney to get to Lydd. It is 1145 and I would welcome a stop but 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. 

In Lydd we spot this lovely old Ford Consul. 

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 uz now as David and Sally take the train to Eastbourne after lunch. We now pick up NCN Route 2 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 days total is 70 miles, phew I am glad to get off the bike and a nice shower. David and Sally have done the meal, mushrooms in stilton, shepherds pie, baked rice pud. Mmm. We are more than ready for it. 

Day 2 Canterbury to Folkestone

The hostel has been refurbished recently and is very comfy. 

Alan says goodbye, hugs all round.

Last nights meal. 

Sallys bike is needing a bike shop so that is first job today. The job takes 45 min 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 ghe 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 the BnB and are amazed to find we can store our bikes in the dining room! Our hosts Mike ans 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. 

Day 1 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 three course vegie extravaganza: tortillas and cheese, vegie 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 Doc at work. 

The trail soon became an off-road route and a bit muddy in places. However there are pleasant stretches wth trees and shrubs forming a tunnel to cycle through. Time was wearing on and we had done 17 miles in 3 hrs, 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 are still 5 miles to go, lights on now and 2 miles of road then 3 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. 

Off we go

Day 0, Travel day to Strood, Rochester.
Early start, aiming to leave 0815, cycle to Central station Glasgow and meet Arthur.
I seem to be organised today, final thing is to start this blog.
Panniers are strangely light, it makes a big difference not having a tent and sleeping bag as for the Lejog trip.

Just looked out and forecast is right for once, sadly, its raining. However it means I do get to wear my new jacket :-)

Uneventful trip apart from changeover driver did not get to Wolverhampton in time and another was found. 12 min delay. 

Now at St Pancras. 

(Arthurs Finger! LoL)

Fast train to Strood then find the road to the center. The High St is one way in each direction from the middle so we walk the first 100m and cycle the other. Some UKIP party members fresh from a meeting are making their way across the street, getting ready for the forthcoming byelection. 

The roads are busy and cars zoom past closely, the roads are not too wide. We get to the hostel and meet Calum, bikes put in the shed and a cup of tea put on. The holiday begins. 

13 miles for me today.