www.kent.gov.uk/cycling

a guide to cycle routes in Kent

FIRST EDITION

There is no better way to explore the delights of Kent than by bicycle. With its charming countryside and varied coastline, Kent offers cyclists a refreshing and enriching experience.

Pedal along the stunning chalk cliffs of the North Downs, discover the unspoilt and surprisingly empty beaches or explore the quiet winding lanes and villages of the beautiful Wealden countryside.

Kent is well known as the Garden of England and is renowned for its hop fields, orchards and distinctive oast houses. Kent is steeped in history too and its cycle routes take you past castles, old churches, historic houses, as well as numerous splendid and celebrated gardens.

Kent is easily accessible from London by train and road, making it an ideal destination for a day’s cycling. The extensive range of good quality accommodation on offer, from delightful B&Bs, to first class hotels, means that Kent is also a fabulous location for longer cycling holidays.

With excellent cross channel connections, including access to Europe’s high-speed rail network, Kent is now easier to reach than ever from many parts of mainland Europe.

Cycling isn’t just a rewarding and invigorating way to explore Kent – regular cycling has enormous health benefits too. Think of it as one of the best physical and mental makeovers you can get – and it’s free!

Thanks to an active strategy, now in its 10th year, Kent is well served by cycle routes. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity is co-ordinating the National Cycle Network. There are four interlinked national routes within the county and a number of regional routes, all of which connect with the national routes.

All are well-signposted and offer substantial sections of safe, traffic-free cycling, suitable for ordinary road bikes.

With so much to offer, we have selected some of the highlights of cycling in Kent specifically for this brochure.

We’ve included routes suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether you want a fantastic family day out or something a little more challenging, we hope you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite. And all the routes are well served by rail, so go on – get on your bike!

discover Kent by bike

for all ages and abilitiesTraffic-free routes

For more detailed information you can’t better Kent County Council’s (KCC) excellent website www.kent.gov.uk/cycling which is dedicated to cycling in the county.

It includes lots of information. In particular, the “routes” section includes downloadable leisure cycling brochures. These often include details of places of interest along the way.

You can also buy Ordnance Survey maps and other Kent cycling publications through the website’s on-line shop.

You’ll also find contact information for cycle hire shops, a list of companies that organise cycling holidays in Kent, and a special section featuring mountain bike trails.

All routes highlighted in this brochure contain “traffic-free” sections and all (except the mountain bike trail centres featured on the inside back page) are suitable for standard road bikes. Typically traffic-free routes follow disused railway lines, bridleways, dedicated cycle tracks and occasionally cycle lanes on roads.

Another great source of cycling information is the Sustrans website www.sustrans.org.uk

getting you

Tips ● carry a map of the route ● look where you are going ● wear bright clothing ● get off and walk where you need to ● follow the Highway Code, even on traffic free routes ● give way to walkers and horse riders ● be sensible about your capabilities ● make sure you drink plenty of water ● apply a strong sunscreen ● carry your mobile phone ● take a lock and chain

Travelling by train ● be prepared to carry your bicycle, not all stations have lifts or escalators linking platforms so you will need to use bridges and subways to make some connections ● avoid the rush hour, bicycles may not be permitted on certain trains during peak travel and it will also save you money.

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RAMSGATE

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We are delighted to provide readers of this magazine with a special discount on the Garden of England route map published by Sustrans.

SPECIAL OFFERBuy the Garden of England map (NN1X) for just £4.50 (inc p&p) direct from Sustrans. Usual price £5.99 (+ p&p)Quote code CK1 Call 0845 113 0065 or visit www.sustrans.org.ukTerms and conditions apply see back cover

started

Finally, the golden rules of safe cycling are: ● be seen ● be protected ● be heard ● be safe ● be wise ● be courteous and of course have fun!

Kent offers so many opportunities for cyclists and this brochure is just a taster of some of the highlights.

Covers National Routes featured in this guide.

planning your journey

NOT TO SCALE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a novice, you’ll

find plenty to enjoy along the 32 mile (51km) long circular

route around the Isle of Thanet peninsular, the point where

Vikings first landed in Britain.

The Viking Coastal Trail

The coastal section from Pegwell Bay to Reculver winds its way past sandy beaches and bays, often against a backdrop of spectacular chalk cliffs. Ramsgate and Margate are lively seaside resorts, but it’s hard to beat the nostalgic charm of Broadstairs.

The inland return loop is on quiet lanes, taking in pretty Kentish villages with ancient churches and passing Minster Abbey, one of England’s oldest inhabited buildings founded in 670.

If you don’t want to undertake the whole route, try the 9 mile traffic-free stretch that follows the seawall from Margate to Reculver.

(NATIONAL ROUTE 1)7.5 miles (12km), mainly traffic-free Disused railway line from University of Kent, Canterbury to Whitstable

RAILWAY There are railway stations at either end of the route. Canterbury has two stations, Canterbury West is the closer to the start of the trail.For train times call: 08457 484950

BIKE HIRE Canterbury, Downland Cycle Hire. Will collect and deliver within a 15 mile radius by arrangement Tel: 01227 479643; www.downlandcycles.co.uk

TOURIST INFORMATIONCanterbury: 01227 378100Whitstable: 01227 275482www.kenttourism.co.uk

MAPS & GUIDES● Ordnance Survey Explorer 150

& Landranger 179 cover this area, please telephone KCC on 01622 663306 (Mon to Fri between 11am and 3pm only) to order.

● Interactive cycle mapping at www.sustrans.org.uk

● Crab & Winkle Way brochure is downloadable from

www.kent.gov.uk/cycling

The Crab and Winkle Way is a terrific 7.5 mile (12km) mainly traffic-free route between Canterbury and Whitstable. Opened in 1999, it forms part of National Route 1 and takes its name from the railway line that once ran between the two towns until 1952. It’s mostly flat, running partly on the old railway path, but also on woodland and Forestry Commission tracks.

Crab and Winkle Way

It’s a great family day out with plenty of interesting stop-offs along the way, from modern sculptures to medieval earthworks.

From Canterbury West station, head up to the university campus where you’ll pick up the start of the trail, about half of which is on the disused railway. Once in Whitstable, enjoy the oysters while taking in the stunning views across the bay, especially at sunset.

Incidentally, the Crab and Winkle Line was the World’s first passenger railway line when it opened in 1830. But the steam locomotive Invicta couldn’t cope with the gradients and was soon replaced with cables driven by a winding steam engine. But cyclists today shouldn’t experience any problems with the short climbs!

MARGATE

FOLKESTONE

HYTHE

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DOVER

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MEDWAY

SHEPPEY

TENTERDEN

DEAL

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You can join the well-signed route on the sea wall directly opposite Margate station. Along the sea wall to Westgate-on-Sea you’ll find plenty of diversions, with slopes and steps to the cliff tops and down to the beaches and rock pools.

The only on-road section takes you along the cliff from Westgate-on-Sea to Epple Bay where you rejoin the sea wall. You can avoid the road by cutting across the foreshore, but cyclists will have to carry their bikes - and risk getting their feet wet if they get the tide wrong!

Minnis Bay is popular with swimmers, as well as sailors, windsurfers and sea canoeists. From here the scenery changes with striking views of the flat marshland as you approach Reculver, a few miles east of Herne Bay.

For tide tables and weather forecast visit www.ramsgatemarina.co.uk or call 01843 572100.

(REGIONAL ROUTE 15)32 miles (51km) circular trail, around 11 miles (18km) traffic- free, 21 miles (33km) on roads Coastal section from Pegwell Bay to Reculver 21 miles (34km) Inland section on quiet lanes from Reculver to Pegwell Bay 10 miles (16km)

RAILWAY Stations close to the route at Ramsgate, Dumpton Park, Broadstairs, Margate, Westgate on Sea, Birchington and Herne Bay. Minster station is on the inland return loop. For train times call: 08457 484950

BIKE HIREMargate, Kens Bikes. Will collect and deliver within a 15 mile radius by arrangement. Tel: 01843 221422

TOURIST INFORMATIONRamsgate, Margate & Broadstairs: 01843 583333www.kenttourism.co.uk

MAPS & BROCHURES● Ordnance Survey Explorer 150

& Landranger 179 cover this area, please tel KCC on

01622 663306 (Mon to Fri between 11am and 3pm only) to order

● Interactive cycle mapping at www.sustrans.org.uk -

● Viking Coastal Trail brochures are downloadable from

www.kent.gov.uk/cycling

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NOT TO SCALE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY

Alternatively from Dover, head 7 miles towards Folkestone for more rugged views of the Channel from the famous White Cliffs. Be prepared for steep climbs as the route drops back to sea level (and some on-road cycling) at both Dover and Folkestone, so this section is probably better suited to more experienced riders.

Mid way between Dover and Folkestone you can cut down to Samphire Hoe, a unique land mass jutting out into the English Channel created from the material dug during the building of the Channel Tunnel. It includes 2 miles of flat traffic-free cycling, exceptionally brilliant blue sea, plus of course beautiful wildlife and scenery.

Samphire Hoe can also be reached from the A20.

From Folkestone to Rye (32 miles) the route becomes much flatter. Leaving the centre of Folkestone, the path follows the seawall and is almost totally traffic-free for 6 miles to the Royal Military Canal at Hythe.From Hythe, National Route 2 moves a few miles inland taking quiet country lanes through the picturesque villages of Romney Marsh including Burmarsh and Old Romney. After passing the historic town of Lydd, it’s back onto a traffic-free cycle path most of the way into Rye, rejoining the road only at Camber with its stunning wide sandy beach and dunes.

For an alternative route between Hythe and Old Romney, take the A259 out of Hythe.

After a couple of miles or so the road rejoins the coast and from here you can follow the

seawall along the beachfront through Dymchurch and on to Littlestone-on-Sea. Head inland, passing New Romney, to join National Route 2 at Old Romney.

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch miniature steam railway, which carries bicycles, stops at six stations between Dungeness and Hythe. It is also within comfortable reach of mainline stations at Folkestone and Rye.

Follow National Routes 1 & 2 all the way down the Kent

Coast taking in stunning coastal cliff paths, dedicated sea

wall cycle paths and quiet country lanes through Romney

Marsh. Both Sandwich and Rye have rail connections to

Ashford International and on to London.

Sandwich in Kent to Rye in East Sussex

Fit, experienced cyclists could cover the entire route in a day, but with good rail links along the coast, it is easy to tackle in stages. Many of the traffic-free sections are generally within the capabilities of children – but don’t be overambitious.

For a rewarding and relatively gentle day out, we recommend the 9 mile section from Dover to Deal, which runs along a stunningly scenic coastal cliff path. Except for a long steep climb from the centre of Dover up to the Castle, it is downhill almost all the way.

To avoid the climb and Dover’s traffic, take the train to Martin Mill and cut 2 miles across land and join National Route 1 at St Margaret’s at Cliff and then enjoy the tremendous run down to Deal.

From here you could pop on the train back to Dover or continue a further 5 miles, again largely traffic-free cycling, on to Sandwich where the chalk downland gives way to sandy beaches and dunes. Again you could let the train take the strain for the journey back.

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A pack of five cycle rides Romney Marsh Meanders can be purchased by phoning the KCC number above

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(NATIONAL ROUTE 1&2)54 miles (87km), of which 24 miles (39km) are traffic-free, 30 miles (48km) on roads.

RAILWAY Kent Coast Mainline (KCM) stations at Sandwich, Deal, Walmer, Martin Mill, Dover Priory, Folkestone Central, Folkestone West. Rye links to the KCM at Ashford International.

BIKE HIREDEAL, Deal Prams & Cycles. Tel: 01304 366080; DEAL, Hutchings Cycles. Tel: 01304 364945FOLKESTONE, Renhams Cycles. Tel: 01303 241884MARGATE, Ken’s Bikes. Will collect and deliver within a 15 mile radius by arrangement. Tel: 01843 221422 RYE, Rye Hire. Will collect and deliver within a 15 mile radius by arrangement. Tel: 01797 223033

TOURIST INFORMATIONSandwich: 01304 613565Deal: 01304 369576Dover: 01304 205108Folkestone: 01303 258594Hythe: 01303 267799New Romney: 01797 364044 www.kenttourism.co.uk

MAPS & BROCHURES● Ordnance Survey Explorer

125, 138 & 150 and Land Ranger 179,189 maps cover this area, and show locations of all train stations. Please telephone KCC on 01622 663306 (Mon to Fri between 11am and 3pm only) to order

● Interactive cycle mapping at www.sustrans.org.uk

NOT TO SCALE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY

This 42 mile (67km) route runs on small country lanes through the High Weald. It’s the best way to take in Kent’s quintessential Garden of England scenery, complete with hops, apple orchards, oast houses and picture postcard villages.

Ashford to Tunbridge Wells

Anybody who thinks Kent is flat might reconsider after this ride, which is not recommended for novice riders. However there are a series of shorter rides that explore the Weald in more manageable chunks.

The Parish Pedals rides brochure features four circular routes totalling 45 miles through some of Kent’s loveliest countryside. They are based around Benenden and Hemsted Forest; Brenchley and Horsmonden; Hawkhurst and Bedgebury Forest; Headcorn, Frittenden and Sissinghurst. Check out Kent’s excellent cycling website www.kent.gov.uk/cycling for more information.

For those who want to tackle the full run, which forms part of the well signposted National Route 18, there are dedicated cycle lanes, running alongside main roads at both Tunbridge Wells and Ashford. Other than this, the main traffic-free section is through Bedgebury Forest, which offers a number of cycle routes, although not all are suitable for standard road bikes or racers.

(NATIONAL ROUTE 18)42 miles (67km) 7 miles (11km) traffic-free35 miles (56km) on road

RAILWAY Stations at Ashford International, Tunbridge Wells and Rye. For train times call: 08457 484950

BIKE HIRE: BEWL WATER, Lamberhurst. Tel: 01892 891446; www.cuckmere-cycle.co.ukPENSHURST OFF-ROAD CENTRE, Tonbridge. Tel: 01892 870136; www.porc-online.co.uk

TOURIST INFORMATIONAshford: 01233 629165Tenterden: 01580 763572Tunbridge Wells: 01892 515675Bewl Water: 01892 890661www.kenttourism.co.uk

MAPS & BROCHURES● Ordnance Survey Land Ranger

188, 189 and Explorer 125, 136 & 137 maps cover this area, please tel KCC on 01622 663306 (Mon to Fri between 11am and 3pm only) to order

● Interactive cycle mapping at www.sustrans.org.uk

● Parish Pedals brochure can be purchased through

www.kent.gov.uk/cycling or by calling the above number

If you are interested in some more challenging mountain bike routes along the way, try the 12 mile circuit around Bewl Water at Lamberhurst. This offers lovely views across the lake, the largest inland water in the southeast.

The track is suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids in drier weather. It is open for cyclists from early May until the end of October. Although generally level, Bewl has three significant hills and includes a short section along quiet country lanes. There is a large car park and bikes can be hired on site (see info box for contact details).

Alternatively, 3 miles north west of Tunbridge Wells is the Penshurst Off-Road Centre. This fantastic facility is open all year in Viceroys Wood. It offers mountain bike trails for all levels of ability, from very technical to family leisure. Cycles can also be hired on site.

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NOT TO SCALE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY

Kent County Council: Environment and EconomySustrans: David Young, Project Management Journalism: Paul Wheeler Design: Paul BakerPhotos: David Young, Paul Baker, Julia Bayne, Tim Snowdon and Ray Blackwell.

For further information contact Kent County Council

Invicta HouseMaidstone

Kent ME14 1XXTel: 08458 247 247

www.kent.gov.uk/cyclinge-mail: explorekent@kent.gov.uk

PAGE 3 MAP OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS Offer limited to one order per person and to National Cycle Network Garden of England map only. Call 0845 113 0065 to order and quote code CK1. Offer valid from 10 June 2004 – 31 December 2005. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability.

Project co-funded by the European Union INTERREG IIIA initiative between the UK and FranceEnvironment & Economy Division

This guide has been printed on recycled paper containing at least 75% post consumer waste. Alcohol-free technologies have been used to reduce emissions, and sustainability is enhanced by the use of vegetable rather than mineral oil based inks.