Aphrodite's Anabasis (14 miles)

Oysters are reputedly the food of love, and the most renowned place for oysters is the traditional fishing resort of Whitstable, where they have been gathered since Roman times.

Legend tells of Aphrodite emerging from the sea clutching an oyster shell. From Whitstable's harbour, this anabasis inland heads to Canterbury, famous for its cathedral; but steeped in 2000 years of history beyond the cathedral's walls. Medieval city walls, a castle, St Augustine's abbey, historic market centre streets. There will be time to explore the city, before the returning to Whitstable's harbour and beach as the sun sets over the sea. Oysters await for those who desire. And who knows what other pearl may be found. What's not to love?

Frankish princess Bertha came to Canterbury in the 6th-C to be with AEthelberht. She renovated a Romano-British building, still in use today, hidden among the city streets.

TRAVEL:
Take the train departing 8.40 AM from London Victoria to WHITSTABLE arrives 9.58. There are currently Rail Sale advance tickets from £5.90 each way (travel details will be updated after the Rail Sale ends 12/1/26)
Cheap Train Tickets, Rail Times & UK Train Fares | Southeastern

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
• What to bring
• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
• Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
• Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy
• Spare socks
• Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-)
• Yourself...
• ...and your camera!
• Cash for train ticket
• Cash for pub at the end of the walk?

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.