Secret Garden

Every July, Harwich hosts a "Secret Gardens" weekend when more than two dozen hidden courtyards, medieval walled gardens, and private resident gardens are opened to the public. By pure coincidence, Sofi and I happened to be here on exactly the right weekend. Together with the murals and one of Britain's first cinemas – the so-called Electric Palace – Harwich made quite an impression on me, despite its otherwise rather industrial character. After all, neighbouring Felixstowe is home to the UK's largest container port.

Watching Stena Hollandica arrive from the Netherlands, I briefly regretted not booking the journey home via Bruges. Then again, Ryanair made me an offer I could not refuse – the flight from Stansted to Gothenburg cost something like £25. So, instead of crossing the Channel, Sofi and I will be heading back into London today.

My body is still aching a little after yesterday, but after more than ten hours of sleep and a lovely breakfast I am generally feeling fine. Most importantly, my left knee is completely pain-free, which is reassuring given that it was one of the reasons I decided to stop after 80 kilometres.