Upnor Castle Ride Last week

From Jon L

All eleven of us made the ferry crossing without incident or inconveniencing the other passengers …
It was warm and humid out of Gravesend, up and along the Wrotham Road for the left turn into the calmer Country Park. Avoiding the stony footbridges… and after a couple of right turns we made our way into Church Road which led us through the tranquil summer wheat fields to Sole Street – which kind of set the scene for most of the ride. Through the attractive villages of Cobham, Shorne and Upper Higham and along Hermitage Road with inspiring views across the estuary to our own Essex. A steady manageable pace all the way, our challenge was negotiating the numerous temporary red and white ‘road closures’, eventually arriving at the rustic Kings Head – just in time for lunch – the objective of this ride – Bob… Relaxing in the back garden with much good chat we were not disappointed with the fare, a little more expensive than usual but worth it… Homeward, up the military roads of Chattenden and past the Royal Engineers ‘diggerland’ training fields onwards to Gravesend Promenade and ice cream for afters. The three o’clock ferry home. I believe – a good ride out – in great company – Cheers! fella’s.

Jon L (-:

Comment from Bob D

Jon,I really enjoyed this ride,having cut out the off road gravelly bit I thought the route you planned was ideal, comfortable for all with enough climbing to stretch the legs and make the terrain interesting.The “rustic” Kings Head has a slightly run-down look about it but the food and the real ale on offer was excellent so much so that I’m afraid I over indulged a bit and consequently suffered a bit on the way home.The group made up of wednesday regulars,a casual and a couple of newbies got along just fine and a good day out was had by all.

Bob D