Hi everyone! I live in a beautiful area of South East Kent and would like to invite you to spend a day with me here in June.

The itinerary would be something like this:

1030am  Saturday 11th June. I will  meet you at Martin Mill railway station. There is a direct train (to Ramsgate) which leaves Charing Cross,London, calling at Waterloo East, London Bridge, Sevenoaks, Ashford and lots of stops inbetween, and arrives at Martin Mill (the stop after Dover) in just over 2 hours.  Alternatively, if you would prefer to drive, there is ample free parking at the station where you can leave your car safely. 

  Transfer to St. Margaret's at Cliffe.

Walk for approx one hour along the cliff top.  On a clear day, the views are spectacular. You can see France and the shipping in the English Channel. If we are lucky, we'll see rare orchids which bloom in June.

Rest at Kingsdown beach. (pub and toilets).

Continue to Walmer Castle. Visit and lunch at the cafe there (or bring a picnic, the grounds are lovely).

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/walmer-castle-and-gardens/

After lunch, walk along the sea shore to Deal. Explore Deal if you like, it's an unspoilt seaside town with a pier and seafront cafes/pubs.

Train from Deal back to Martin Mill.

Those who don't have to dash back are invited to tea at my house.

Costs: Transport to Martin Mill. Entrance to Walmer Castle. +£3.00 for transfer to cliffs.

Total walking distance 6 miles max. With rests!   Not for anyone who suffers from vertigo. There is no barrier at the cliff edge, but the path is quite safe.

I would really enjoy having your company and getting to know some of you. And I promise you a lovely day out, walking by the sea.

Please let me know if you'd like to come, and click the "Sign Up" button.

I'll give updates, of course, but if you have any questions, please contact me.

Oh, and if anyone lives further away and would like to stay over,  there is a Premier Inn just up the road and lots of B&B's.

Update 03/05/11

Thankyou all for your interest. I'm sure we'll have a great day.

If anyone would like to stay for the evening and finish the day relaxing to music in a country setting, we are lucky in that our local 17th century village church is having a concert of baroque music by the Julian Trio, preceded by a champagne reception, at 7.30pm that night. The programme includes works by Handel, Telemann and Haydn and tickets are £8.00. Please let me know if you would like to go and I will get tickets.

Transport.

There is now a fast train from London St. Pancras (1.5hrs). The 0842 (change at Ashford) arrives at Martin Mill at 1018. The direct train from Charing Cross leaves at 0800 arriving Martin Mill at 1018. (Those joining this train at different points might like to post here,so that you could look out for each other on the train...).   Trains home leave Martin Mill every hour, with the last one back to London at 2148.

For those wishing to go to the concert, there is a later train at 2244 from Dover, and I'm sure I can arrange to transport you there.

For all public transport options, there is a journey planner and timetable here:

http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Looking forward to seeing old and new friends!

Update 5th June 2011.

There are several options for lunch, and it would be good to hear your preferences. If the weather is good,we could have a picnic at lunch-time, but this would mean you will need to bring sandwiches etc, with you, in a small back pack would be best.  Alternatively, we could make it a real seaside trip and have fish and chips at the Zetland Arms, right on the beach. Thirdly, we could eat at the small cafe at Walmer Castle,which serves light lunches,hot meals and drinks. What do you think?

A note to those coming by train from Charing Cross/Waterloo East.  Please make sure you are in one of the front 4 coaches of the Ramsgate train, as the train splits at Ashford and the back 4 coaches do not go to MARTIN MILL, which is where you are going. If you will be arriving before 1030, please ring me at home (01304 851786) or on my mobile (07929185642) and I will come and find you. (my house is just around the corner). I am arranging cars to take us all up to the cliff top, hopefully leaving at 1030, so if you are delayed for any reason, can you please ring me, so we know you are on the way?).

Bearing in mind that there is no shelter up on the cliffs, please wear suitable clothing (and shoes).

It would be helpful to me if all those who are definitely coming could confirm, and let me know how they are coming (and if they want to go to the concert).  Many thanks. xxAnita

Update 9th June.

The weather forecast for here  is  at present showing sunny intervals on Saturday, with a light SW wind, which will be behind us. However, in case of showers, it might be advisable to pack a light rain jacket, just in case. Underfoot is chalk grassland, so it will not be muddy. Hiking boots are not necessary, unless you want to.

I have booked a table for lunch at the Zetland Arms, on the beach at Kingdown. If the weather is nice enough, we can sit outside, if not, we can be cosy inside.  I thought that best, in view of the changeable weather. So no need to carry a picnic. It will be an early lunch, but as some of you are leaving early in the morning to get here, I'm sure you'll be ready for it. And by the time we get back to Martin Mill after the walk, I hope you'll be ready for some tea too!

The taxis are leaving at 1030, so if you are delayed, please call me on 0792918562. Have a good trip down - and see you when you get here!

Anita