22nd May Wrotham, near Maidstone

Slept late today and had a quiet day except for a short bicycle ride to Leybourne Lakes. Now this looks easy on the map: do not have the map as I left it at home on the bed. Therefore, it should be flat and easy just to the north of the M20.

The route is reasonably straightforward and helped by some signposts. It meanders through some pretty, local villages and is reasonably flat even if the road is narrow in places. Its interesting g to see how drivers behave as we wander along, most giving us time and space, waiting on the gentle slopes to let us pass. Except one who just keeps going without really breaking his speed: on a road only about 8 feet wide.

The main reason for the ride was to get food at Leybourne's Tesco. So loaded with food, mostly in Meryl's panniers we set off home after having rested with Catherine and Steve and William. Unfortunately, the gentle slopes of the outward journey became monstrous hills for Meryl and a real struggle set in to get to the top; and there were at least eight of them. So a late supper was had: but we will sleep well.

Tomorrow it's the bus!!