Market Place, Margate Old Town

All the times we’ve cycled the Viking Way we’ve only ever ridden along the seafront and out past the Turner Contemporary and not turned in to explore the town.

Usually, we start and finish the ride at Reculver. Not today, we went to Minnis Bay where the parking was free. Canterbury City Council wanted £16.10 to park for 7 hours at Reculver. The City Council promised to change their car parking charges after I complained last year that RVs can park there for 24 hours for £10

A shorter ride too, Broadstairs and back. Just over 22 miles, great ride and workout as there are more hills than on Romney Marsh!

Margate Old Town was interesting. The Council are beginning to make a difference with independent shops and no end of places to eat and drink. It could be a real asset to the town over time, much like Folkestone’s Creative Quarter.

Another hot, hot day even by the coast. Close and humid too with plenty of thin cloud in the afternoon. It made the pint of Whitstable Bay Pale Ale at Minnis Bay all the more enjoyable.

As we cycled towards Minnis Bay the air was alive with hundreds of house martins and swallows swooping around the chalk cliffs and out over the sea. A wonderful sight to see so many birds. I suppose that’s what it used to be like in the past and is now a rare occurrence.

I was tempted to post the extra as the main blip. Amusing, something for everyone!