Sunday morning, mostly cloudy, chances of rain pretty low! What more to ask for a ride through the North Down way. You will see the best of what Kent has to offer on this most beautiful of bike rides.
The ride started at our house in Gillingham around 9:00 am. We had a vague memory of our previous ride through this route along with Delphi Bike Riders. We made up route we pedalled along hoping that the ride will jog our memory to find the right, safe route back home :-). Though Pilgrims Cycle train is designed for more experienced cyclists, it can be completed in segments. If you fancy tackling a easier segment, it can be an ideal day out for families too.
The segment we tried is Detling to Hollingbourne.Following the know cycle trail ( Gillingham -> Lidsing -> Boxley -> Pilgrims way -> Detling ), we reached Detling at Jade's crossing. We cycled along exciting mix of bridleways, byways and winding lanes as well as good selection of good pubs like The Dirty Habbit ( 13th century county house). Then came the real test "The Holingbourne Hill". To our surprise we were able to pedal up to enjoy our well earned treat of Apple and Orange ( :-( trying hard to reduce weight).
We lost bit of our way back, but were able to get back on track. Met lots of fellow cyclists exchanging greetings. We followed Borden, Sittingbourne, Upchurch, Rainham. It was an enjoyable ride, which took us through steep climbs and descents, less tumultuous landscapes and quite lanes. What an amazing way to explore Kent!!
