Lydd and Brookland

Quarryville Hall was the hub for the Ragstones' expedition to a former island on Romney Marsh with its capital town reputely "one of the oldest villages in the country dating back almost 4000 years"*, namely: Lydd. Set on a former island, it has an enormous church and a number of old buildings.

The Ragstones' Norman, John, Rosemary and Peter arrived in Lydd after a sunnyride across the Marsh, having enjoyed a tail wind. It may be old, but Lydd is easily circumnavigated by bike and soon the Ragstones turned into the wind back towards Brookland as lunch called.

The route followed a wall from Midley that formed one boundary to the innings drained in antiquity - these are marked by long and narrow fields growing healthy-looking crops. Midley was once an island and the ruins of Midley Church to the right contrast with the wind farm behind Cheyne Court to the left.

There was a warm welcome at the Royal Oak and the four Ragstones rested a while to recover from the 23 miles so far. After a serious refuelling session, they departed for an enjoyable ride back to Bonnington, where they dispersed to return home.

*http://www.andrewleaning.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53