A Tootle From Tenterden

The first 6 miles from Tenterden to Appledore were on the B2080 and although not too busy, it evoked some ribbing comments about the unexpected climbing. But once into the quiet and flat lanes, we settled down into an easy cruise about 15mph, and the banter flowed. The rural views are good here, to our left and right were endless fields of green Wheat and Barley, and Appledore soon appeared. We did a quick detour to show Dave where Miss Mollett’s High Class Tea Rooms were and would visit on the way back, before turning along the military canal road to Rye.

 

It was still flat and easy going, and we kept a steady pace while we admired boats on the canal on one side, and the green ridges on the other. Cyclists often passed the other way. Rye was busy on this June 21st Father’s Day, and we entered through the arch, and went along the High Street to find Tambika, a café on the Quay. I had planned to go to Cobbles tea room, but discovered that the owner didn’t want out bikes on his wall. Tambika offers good cycle space and food, but alas, no views.

 

After a quick stop, off we went leaving Rye along the A259 before turning into Camber Road to follow the shoreline towards Lydd and beyond. The sun began to shine, and the flat Marsh offered endless views miles into the distance. We could see the green grey Sea to our right. Passing the MOD ranges, we heard the occasional pop of rife fire, and looming in the distance was Dungeness Power station, a place we would soon get closer to. Although we passed craphole looking caravan parks, the verges were filled with lovely red Poppies and blue Viper’s Bugloss. After a difficult section into a stiff wind at the end of the road and land before it turned more East, we turned right for the mile or so towards the Dungeness Café for a butcher’s. Derek Jarman’s shack is nearby, and crowds were milling to gaze at it.

 

Onward along the seashore. Greatstone on Sea, New Romney, and then back onto the Marsh. As we passed a nice looking pub in the middle of nowhere, and Dave was hungry, we stopped for lunch. Some had a pint of Bombadier, some ate egg and chips, but we all refreshed the parts sitting outside in the sun. Then back towards Appledore, along almost deserted lanes, stopping to admire an odd looking ‘church’ in a field.

A second tea stop at Miss Mollett’s delivered the last refreshment before the final few miles to Tenterden. A gentle climb to return to the ridge and leave the Marsh behind. 4 hours of cycling, 15mph average, and great company. Dave saw 18 Marsh Harriers.

 

A nice day out.

Event / Article Type
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Hedley takes three from Tenterden