Canterbury – Dover. From cathedral city to the white cliffs

The Reds have made the play-off final. We watched the game in the Bat and Ball opposite Kent County Cricket Ground and David and I made a few customers jump when the second and third goals went in. The landlord told us there were 30 fans watching the first leg – Yorkshire had been playing Kent . 29 Barnsley fans and 1 happy Huddersfield punter… but not last night.

So David and I had an extra spring in our step when we set off from Habitat, just across the road from the 11th century St Mildred's. We were joined by Mick Waite who had driven up for Weymouth for the day and Reg and Jennie, neighbours who were on their way back from France . We toasted the Reds with cans of Red Bull, courtesy of Rachel's friend.

At the top of Old London Road , we met up with Barry Cotgrave, a former colleague who lives in Canterbury and the 5 of us were soon in Bridge, heading south. Stopping at the village store for a sandwich, a kindly local told us to go to the baker's at the end of the main street instead – a good choice, the ginger spice cake was scrummy.

Up the hill and left at Hallam Park Farm we crossed the A2 and immediately picked up the North Downs Way which we followed for 8 miles. It was good walking country with the track cutting across wide fields with tremendous views and big skies. The weather was ideal for walking, sunshine and cloud with a refreshing breeze. After 5 miles on the track, Barry left us to take the train home, after only getting us lost once, and rejoining the path, we found a table and bench immediately to sit down and enjoy our lunch.

Sandra had gone ahead to Tesco in Dover and I rang her after lunch to tell her we would be arriving earlier than planned. We left the footpath and followed country lanes down to the A2 at the McDonalds roundabout. Reg and Jennie were picked up here by Sandra and the remaining three of us walked along the A2, heading into the traffic on the hard shoulder, being buffeted by the big wagons. After 1 mile we came across the final part of the North Downs Way and after fighting our way through nettles and waist high grass for 100 yards the path took us steeply downhill into Dover and the ferry port.

Sandra picked us up and took us back to Tesco. I met Linda Pagdin who had kindly put us up in the B & B, the Danbridge Oust for the last two nights and was there to collect donations for Leukaemia Research. Sandra joined her collecting whilst the walkers went for a cup of tea. Next it was the Premier Travel Lodge and the Duke of York restaurant. Carol, Bob and the other staff had collected over £300 for Leukaemia Research and presented us with a cheque, photographs taken by the local Dover paper.
Then an ice-bath and a long soak in a hot bath.

Sandra's brother, Phil, has flown over from Spain today and is joining us for the next 5 days. It will be good to have him sharing some of the driving with Sandra. Stage 2 of the walk is completed, everything has gone so well. Even the weather has been kind. It poured today just 20 minutes after we had finished – someone is smiling down on us.

Tomorrow France, new challenges and new friends to meet.

Yellow jersey award for walker of the day – Mick Waite – a top man.

Distance covered – 18.2 miles Total covered – 148.1 miles