I also would like to go Ramsgate again if only to see User10571's face after having encountered the asthmatic hand dryer but c'est la vie.
Ramsgate was not so wonderful. The truth is that our route out to Whitstable isn't just the best that can be done - everything else is poor by comparison. And, worse, the bit that I really enjoyed on the recce ride left everybody else distinctly unimpressed.
The thing is this. We've sort of cracked it. I don't believe that there are better rides to be had in the southeast. We wring every bit out of the Brighton ride that there is to be had, and our halfway stop is just fantastic. The Felpham ride has its faults, but, again, there's no better destination along that stretch of sea, it uses a gap in the South Downs that you won't find on any other ride, and, for long stretches, it's really pretty.
Southend is ideal for first-timers, and it has a great train service. The Stock route has considerable charm, and, of course, our halfway stop is just fantastic.
I've looked at Herne Bay, Sandwich, Deal, Hastings, Worthing, Wittering (which we've done) and if you look at the routes, the train services, the distance and the destination there's nothing up there with the the four we have.
Newhaven is, without doubt, a nicer ride than Brighton, but getting back is difficult and, besides, nobody really wants to go there. Walton is a nice ride, but, again, the trains aren't good, and if you're going to have a small ride, why not go to Harwich or Southwold?
I would, however, look at other start points, but I think that other CTC groups might take up the running, as Simon B has in Reading. Peterborough to Skegness or Great Yarmouth?
My fave.
(up west coast mainline down east coast mainline)
