Riding down memory lane: AONB & Herstmonceux Castle

It is the May holiday weekend, so I saddled up my pony and headed south. I had noticed a tantalizing acronym on Google maps “AONB”, which apparently is “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” which seems too tantalizing to resist. It certainly was beautiful, but what I should have known to interpret that as 100% hills. These stunning sweeping vistas do not come without lung-busting up and downs. After several hours of this, I came to Westerham, where there was a lovely grassy knoll outside a cycle shop/cafe. The Westerham Cyclery stocks some of the most delicious frozen yogurt I have ever have, and will bring your americano across the road so you can lie back on the grass while enjoying a cuppa. Even though the route was a bit gruelling, this is an absolutely beautiful time to cycle tour in south England. The cherry blossoms and blue bells were in glorious bloom, scenting the air as I travelled up and down the gruelling hills. Despite the “outstanding natural beauty” and the tiny floral delights along the way, it was a really draining day. I could tell that I was physically and emotionally spent when I found myself sitting at a gas station waiting for coke to flatten. (Honestly, there is nothing better than a flat coke to buoy flagging spirits and complaining legs).At the end of a long, difficult ride, I arrive in Herstmonceux. I stopped at the beautiful church yard.My final stop of the day was Herstmonceux Castle. As I walked the castle grounds, I was flooded with memories of my time here 10 years ago as a student at the International Study Centre. This is a magical place that will always hold a piece of my heart. I arrived at the end of the day ate my dinner as I watched night fall around the castle grounds.

I made a nest with my bivy in a nearby woods, and was able to Breakfast at Tiffany’s with the castle in the morning, as the frost sparkled on the grass. It was a pretty great way to greet the morning.

Remember, this is all part of my “Pedalling for Mental Health” challenge, where I am hoping to raise money for mental health research. If you are able to support this great charity, please donate here!