The next stage was supposed to be 32 km, from Canterbury to Dover, which is too far for us. So the plan was to book two nights in Dover (no where to stay in Shepherdswell), walk to Shepherdswell, train to Dover then go back to Shepherdswell by train and do the walk back to Dover without packs. Ferry to France on the 16th. But storm Amy blew up with Category 2 winds and I got very nervous about a rough ferry crossing 🤢.
So…we cancelled the ferry and made arrangements to cross the English Channel by taxi through the chunnel.
But we still headed off to Shepherdswell as the day was clear and the storm wasn’t to hit until later that evening.
Our house in Canterbury
Well, we didn’t get far! Who knew a record store would be open early on a Sunday morning?
Mail boxes all have the insignia of whichever monarch was on the throne at the time the boxes were installed. We’ve found Edward the 7th (red) and Elizabeth (grey), pictured here but also 2 styles of Queen Victoria and 3 styles of George. We’re having fun finding them! (As you might suspect, we are easily entertained!)
Fully loaded for bear and off we go, following the Via Francigena once again.
Last view of Canterbury Cathedral.
Taking a break at Patrixbourne church, which has a pilgrim stamp but was closed. I chatted with the very enthusiastic Karla and Lucy who are hoping to do their own pilgrimage one day.
Wierd-assed mushroom.
Sloe plums, almost the size of grapes. Too bad they’re not great eating. More for making gin and liqueur, but especially important for wildlife.
Huge badger den. About 4 feet high.
We made it to Shepherdswell train station in the pouring rain but we were undaunted (according to Ken).
Walk up the side with green arrows and not the red xes or the stair police will come after you
40 minute wait for a 15 minute train ride into Dover and our stay at the Norman Guest House.
VF Britannica Via Campaniensis Voie de Vezelay 2025 