Rye never ceases to attract a diverse cross-section of visitors – they come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world. As well as the countless list of artists, performers and musicians who perform in our annual festivals, the town also attracts its fair share of characters. They come for varying reasons and are always welcomed, none more so than Steve Tilley who arrived in Rye last weekend.
A remarkable man with a strong west country accent, Steve is walking 3,500 miles around the English coastal path, starting his journey in March from his home in Gloucestershire and now 2,700 miles in. Passing through Rye, he headed to the Ypres Inn where he was welcomed by owner / landlord Jeffrey Bell and his intrigued customers.
Apparently, he is an unassuming man but his massive rucksack drew attention from Jeffrey’s Sunday afternoon idlers and after sampling a very welcome pint of house bitter, which went down exceptionally well, he sat with the customers and recounted exploits from his travels before heading off on the next leg of his incredible journey.
Thanks to Jeffrey Bell for allowing Rye News to use his images and for agreeing to us sharing this story.
Image Credits: Nick Forman , Jeffrey Bell .