I took the train to Hastings. On the final approach to the station we passed hills of 3-4 story houses perched up high. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a photo. I need to get to Hastings in order to catch a bus to Bodiam where there is a ruined castle I wanted to visit. I think castles will be a major feature of this trip.
As I waited for the 349 bus I noticed that everyone getting on the other buses were using contactless cards. I didn't see anyone pay by cash. This made me a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to get a ticket so I asked someone and they confirmed that you can pay by cash. Phew! When the 349 bus arrived I purchased a return ticket to Bodiam. The bus took about an hour with 1/2 of the trip travelling along narrow roads edged with hedgerows.
When I arrived, the castle was peeking through the trees. After purchasing my ticket from an extremely friendly assistant I started to explore the grounds and the castle.
Bodiam is quite distinctive in its compact design and intact moat.
You can walk up the stairs inside the towers, though the steps were ridiculously high. The top gave a great view of the Kent countryside.
They also gave a good view of the ruins inside the castle. Unlike Dover, there were hardly any intact spaces.
I started to get a little fixated by photographing the outside world through the empty windows, gaping holes and doorways.
Walking back across the bridge to the castle, another visitor noticed the very unattractive fish in the moat.
I had a while to wait before the bus back to Hastings, so wandered around the tiny town on Bodiam and the beautiful surrounding Kent countryside.
I started to worry when the bus was over 10 min late. They don't run very frequently. Just as I was trying to figure out what I'd do if it didn't turn up, it arrived and took me back to Hastings before a final train trip back to Ashford station.
The walk back to the hotel was grey and very cold. I even needed to get out my hat and gloves for the first time to keep me warm. But, once again, that's not really a complaint. I don't mind a bit of cold.
It was another fun day of adventure in beautiful countryside.