Autumn Walking weekend in Canterbury, Kent from Friday 12the October to Sunday 14th October.
Thirty-three Pang Valley ramblers travelled to Canterbury for the annual Autumn Walking Weekend, with the threat of Storm Callum approaching the country.We met at 2.30pm on the Friday afternoon for a short walk – a brief introduction to the ancient city of Canterbury. The walk leaders led us around this interesting city which was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. We walked along the River Stour, ancient Roman walls, cobbled streets with timber framed buildings and past Canterbury Cathedral.
On Saturday, after an excellent breakfast, a large part of the group set out from the bus station, walked along the old city walls and the Stour Valley for about four miles on the first part of the walk to Chartham. The weather was perfect for walking, albeit slightly windy. Some then continued to Bagham by bus and some continued walking the two and a half miles where we met the rest of the group members for pre-arranged lunch at the Wonderland Tea Rooms. The good weather continued and soon we were in T-shirts and relaxing in the sunshine. After a delicious lunch, some of the group visited the lovely village of Chilham, the more energetic spent the afternoon walking along the North Downs Way to Chilham Station, through apple orchards, past traditional Oast houses in the beautiful Kent countryside walking nearly eleven miles before returning by train to Canterbury.
Sunday morning was overcast. We met early in the hotel car park for the short walk to the bus station. We started out along the Crab and Winkle Way to Bogshole Lane, then a bus ride on towards the seaside, Whitstable, for lunch. Some (I’ve heard) tried the Whitstable oysters but others indulged in traditional fish fayre. We continued on along the sea front via Tankerton Slopes to Hearne Bay. Not everyone chose to walk, some caught buses, but a good number managed to get to Mackari’s café for an ice-cream, before catching a bus back to Canterbury. A number then made their way back home whilst others stayed on to explore the area further.
It was a very enjoyable weekend. The weather stayed fine for us although it was quite windy, despite Storm Callum hitting the rest of the country.
The hotel was comfortable and we enjoyed good food. Thanks especially to the leaders for organising the trip, and researching the area, devising and leading the walks. They kept us safe and we all had a very enjoyable time.