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Hythe, Saltwood, Etchinghill, Stowting Monks Horton
Often in our sheltered south east corner of England we escape the full ravages of the English weather and have developed a disregard for weather forecasts - they are for everywhere else! On this occasion the forecast of heavy and prolonged rain was spot on - no it was buckets-full on. Nevertheless, the three toughest members of the group were not daunted.
We rode to Hythe and then climbed a zig-zag route up the hill to Saltwood and round by the castle. The bridleway by the castle looked like it might afford a good view and we slithered on the mud and leaves while Ruth told us the story of a friend who was disappointed not to have been exposed in the castle-owner's infamous diaries.
Up and over the motorway, past the well-known Hayne Barn and then up the track past the pumping station towards the radio mast at Etchinghill. The track was muddy, uphill, and too long to conquer by lunchtime, so we took a left turn along a bridleway to Postling. In the heavy rain we quickly visited Stowting, Monks Horton church and finally arrived at the Black Horse at Monks Horton only 10 minutes late.
The dining club was awaiting us and we warmed up round the fire and had an excellent extended lunch.
Congratulations to Ruth, John and Peter for their dedication to cycling. Perhaps it'll be snow next!
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