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A new long-distance cycle route weaving through the Garden of England is being officially unveiled today.
The launch of the Cantii Way, which starts and ends in Wye, near Ashford, has been timed to coincide with the May 26 celebration of Kent Day.
Sophie Gordon from Cycling UK talks about the new route
Promoted by the charity Cycling UK, the 145-mile trail is named after the Iron Age tribe which occupied the land that now makes up Kent.
Starting in Wye, the route takes in some of the best landscapes, towns and villages the county has to offer, passing through Canterbury, Thanet and then down the coast to Dover, Hythe and the Romney Marsh.
The charity says the route is designed to be tackled in a number of days, with railway stations along the way making it easily accessible.
Sophie Gordon, Cycling UK's campaigns officer behind the creation of the 234km tour of the county, said: "The Cantii Way is a perfect introduction to the wonders of cycling around Kent and is ideal for those looking to try cycle tourism for the first time.
"Kent is rich in history, rich in culture and rich in cuisine.
"It's a perfect location for cycling and the Cantii Way gives you the very best of the Garden of England."
Passing along a combination of quiet ways, country lanes, byways and bridleways, the route is designed to be manageable by anyone of reasonable fitness on most types of bike.
It makes use of part of the North Downs Way Riders’ Route, which Cycling UK launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Kent Downs AONB.
The charity says the Cantii Way "takes riders deep into Kent’s rich history, vibrant modern culture and natural beauty".
Ms Gordon said: "Cycling UK wanted to leave a lasting legacy this Jubilee for our patron the Queen that wouldn't just be fun to ride, but would also bring real benefit to the local rural economy.
"The people cycling through Kent's network of paths and quiet ways will quite literally be fuelling themselves from the local shops, pubs and tea rooms they pass through, and many of these will be off the beaten track."
