And off we rode at slightly faster pace than walking to St. Thomas’ Watering Place; and there our host drew up, began to ease his horses and said “Now listen if you please, -  Geoffrey Chaucer

 Ceramics artist, Paul Kossowski, produced a mural which wraps itself around the old North Peckham civic centre building (600 Old Kent Road) part of which depicts Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The above quotation is taken from the tablet at the top of the photo where the Cathedral and pilgrims are seen. This area is part of the initial walk from Southwark Cathedral to Canterbury.

As any experienced walker knows the lunch stop for tea and a bacon roll are all important. 5 people couldn’t wait whilst the other 3 still queued !  Expansive views from here stretch across to Canary Wharf  and there is a 400 year old mulberry tree in the grounds.

 We came across this painting on the side of the White Hart in Erith and after walking on to Dartford saw a Thames Barge going by.

Every walk has it’s memorable moment. We arrived at Rochester at the end of a very hot day and headed straight for the nearby pub. Suitably refreshed we went to the Cathedral to look around only to be told that they closed promptly at 6.00pm. It is on the ‘to do’ list although Linda managed it this year.

A beautiful day looking out over the North Downs with Tony and Liz in reflective mode sitting amongst the poppies and waving grasses with their lunch .

The church at Boughton Aluph has a fireplace in the entrance hall which was used by pilgrims to warm themselves.  On entering we found that the old organ was being replaced  with another from a local church and watching the expert with his apprentice was a unique experience.

Not far to go but we need to sit down for a rest with our new friend before carrying on.

Arrival at Canterbury and the photo in a frame for posterity.

We  got as far as Aylesford on our original walk  although Liz Lloyd carried on to Canterbury alone. Well done to her.  Then the pandemic put paid to our plans until this May (2022) when 3 of us decided to finish it.  It is of special interest to those who enjoy historical themes  and during the first group of walks 3 of us  took part in a study course on Chaucer at City Lit and can thoroughly recommend Liza Picard’s book Chaucer’s People to anyone contemplating the walk – however long it may take you.

Elise Wright