ON A LONG LEASH ALONE: BROADSTAIRS TO MARGATE ON FOOT

In all those years we live in Charlton I have not even once got on the train in our station and travelled east (those few times to Penny's, one stop away, could not be considered as 'traveling east'). To be fair, on Saturday whilst passing by I have not seen anything worth geting off, but once you find yourself beyond M25 the views become slightly better. The further, the better.

After Gillingham you start noticing crop fields, rows of apple trees, green houses and occasional farm buildings. And finally strawberries appear just after Faversham. More likely, it was not THAT farm, but quiet nostalgic anyway.

(I imagine, self appointed) jewel of Thanet's crown - Broadstairs - is rather pleasant coastal town with a little bit of usual sea resort stuff. Luckily not too much of it and beach/cliff top walk is where it gets even better. They call it Viking Trail. On sunny day all these sandy bays are packed; some to the point that it's difficult to put your foot. Castle turned flats near Kingsgate Bay looks stunning, as well as chalk cliffs raising from the sea in Botany Bay. But leave the view out and the north end of Botany Bay is so much better wilh less people and small dunes (and apparently nudists).

Few bays down I came to Margate. My first time in town was nearly eight years ago in miserable winter but, it appears, summers here are not what I would dream about either. The only surprise in a good way was the Turner's Contemporary art museum. It stands out so much that I am not sure why it was opened here (besides the fact Turner himself liked the place and stayed in the hotel that used to be on the same spot).

The day turned out to be great for the walk (very easy ~10km), the weather and the peaople I met on the way.

It might have been fun to cycle and it's just the matter of time when (this time) WE are back there. :)