There are few better ways to explore the delights of Kent’s
countryside and coastline than by bicycle. Here's Kent's top
10 cycle routes.

Ashford to Tunbridge Wells

Savour the true Garden of England on this 42-mile (67km) route,
which runs on small country lanes through the High Weald, a
designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the perfect
way to take in Kent’s scenery, complete with hops, apple orchards,
oast houses, vineyards and picture-postcard villages, such as
Chilmington Green and Matfield. This hilly route is not recommended
for novice riders.

Coast to Cathedral

Undertake your own Pilgrim’s Progress on this marvellous 50-mile
(80km) circular ride using Regional Routes 16 and 17 linking Dover,
Canterbury and Folkestone. The route passes along leafy lanes and
bridleways amid rolling hills, wide skies, woodland, country
villages and hamlets. It is advisable to start the journey
anti-clockwise via Route 16, as the climb out of Dover is short and
steep compared to the longer, harder climb out of Folkestone.

Crab and Winkle Way

The Crab and Winkle way takes its name from the pioneering
railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable from the
early part of the 19th century and was one of the first to be built
in Great Britain. The route is roughly seven miles (11.3km) of
almost traffic-free cycling. Take time to explore some of
Canterbury’s attractions before you leave, or stop on route in
Blean to see the 13th century church of St Cosmus and St
Damian.

www.crabandwinkle.org

Fowlmead Country Park

Alistair Crisp got in touch via http://www.mykent.co.uk/ and said: “I’d driven past Fowlmead many times and finally took the turning from the roundabout on my way back to Deal. The park is great for walking and cycling and perfect for a family day out. It’s a great spot for birdwatching or for just taking a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of every-day life. The park has some of the best cycling facilities in the South East and hosts a number of mountain bike events.”

Hythe and Royal Military Canal

This four and a half mile (7.2km) route is almost entirely
traffic-free and follows along the banks of the tranquil Royal
Military Canal. The canal stretches for 28 miles along the old
cliff line that borders the Romney Marsh from Hythe to Cliff End.
It was originally built between 1804 and 1809 as a third line of
defence against Napoleon. There are picnic tables and benches all
along the canal edge.

Sandwich to Rye

Head into smugglers’ territory as you follow National Routes 1
and 2 along the Kent coast, taking in the shorter Chalk and Channel
Way, and quiet country lanes through atmospheric Romney Marsh. This
area is long associated with Russell Thorndike’s Doctor Syn novels
about the swashbuckling smuggler known for wearing a scarecrow
disguise. Fit and experienced cyclists could cover the entire
54-mile (87 km) route in a day but with good rail links along the
coast, it is easy to tackle in stages.

Sheerness Circular Route

This five and a half mile route (9km) links the seafront with
Barton’s Point Coastal Park before running the length of the
Queensborough lines. The fairly casual ride also brings cyclists
closer to some local heritage – the 3km Lines were constructed
around 1863 to protect Sheerness Dockyard from attack from
inland.

The Heron Trail

The Heron Trail runs from Higham to Upnor along the Hoo
Peninsula and is an 18-mile (28.9km) circular route. It can be
easily broken down into shorter sections. The trail takes its name
from the RSPB Northward Hill Reserve, which has the largest heronry
in the UK, with more than 150 pairs of grey heron nesting in the
treetops. There are also nightingales, turtledoves and almost 50
pairs of little egrets.

Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst

The journey from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place follows
along Regional Cycle Route 12. This undemanding ride is suitable
for all the family. It is almost traffic-free and a great way to
take in two of the county’s finest tourist attractions – Tonbridge
Castle with its Motte and Bailey and 13th century gatehouse and
Penshurst Place and Gardens, which offers cyclists £1 off the
normal entrance fee.

Viking Coastal Trail

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a novice, you will
find plenty to enjoy along the 27-mile (43.2km) route around the
Isle of Thanet, where Vikings first landed in Britain in 449AD. See
beautiful sandy beaches and stunning bays, spectacular chalk
cliffs, the lively seaside resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and
Ramsgate and peaceful country villages.

http://www.vikingcoastaltrail.co.uk/