Distance: 11.4 Miles or 18.3 km for those more metrically minded (or 8.6 miles/13.9 km for a shorter Sturry circular)
Difficulty: 2 out of 10
Train: Take the 10:04 AM train from London St. Pancras (10:12 from Stratford International), arriving at Sturry at 11:26 (changing at Ashford 10:43 arr/10:59 dep) Return trains from Canterbury West at 23 minutes past the hour. Buy a day return to Sturry. For those concerned about finishing in daylight -- you could start an hour earlier and plan to eat at the Red Lion (the last of the pub lunch options).
I thought Canterbury might make a festive destination just before Christmas and I also noted two of the pubs on this pub-laden route seem to have reopened, making it a good walk to enjoy multiple libation stops. This walk has many permutations and the suggestion is to start in Sturry which (although a longer train journey) deposits you in the heart of the charming villages that feature on this walk and makes the overall distance back to Canterbury more manageable at this time of year. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
The recommended lunch options are as follows: visiting the reopened Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux (01227 721 763) – about 5 miles/ 7 km into the walk or the Duke William (01227 721 308) in Ickham (requiring a short diversion) – 4.1 miles/6.6 km into the walk. A mid afternoon break or late lunch could also be had at the reopened Red Lion in Stodmarsh – serving food until 4pm (01227 722 571) – 8.3 miles/13.8 km into the walk. Please do call ahead with numbers….and confirm reopenings..... Look forward to hearing reports on the reopened pubs!
Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the Fordwich Arms pleasantly located overlooking the Stour River….Canterbury also has a number of options for post walk libations.
Happy Holidays!
1 comment:
Anyone going to do Sturry circular?
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