Cycling is a hugely popular pastime, with families across the country taking their bicycles out to enjoy the warm weather. As well as being a great way to explore the countryside, cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, and planning a cycle ride as a family semi regularly can be great for your health as well as being fun for the whole family. Many will use a bicycle as a primary mode of transport to get to work or school, and with the steadily increasing number of specific cycling routes and paths there are plenty of fantastic cycling routes for anyone interested in heading out for the day.
With a range of fantastic routes to choose from, Kent has many wild spaces available for cyclists to explore. Whether you are interested in cycling along the coast or are more interested in spending time cycling through a forest, Kent has a route that will interest you. Nicknamed the ‘Garden of England’ the iconic hop farms and pastoral landscape of the county offers a range of incredible wild spaces to explore. Here are a few fantastic cycling routes in Kent that you should consider trying on a weekend cycling trip.
Bewl Water
Here at Bewl Water we offer a bicycle hire service to our visitors, and our lovely staff will be delighted to provide you with everything you need in order to have a fantastic time cycling around Bewl Water. The route around Bewl Water is 12 ½ miles long and is open for cyclists to explore all year around, although you may want to avoid rainy weather as cycling through mud can be difficult if you have less practised cyclists coming on the trip with you.
The largest reservoir in the South of England, Bewl Water provides incredible scenery as well as easy to access parking, as well as the Waterfront Café and picnic tables for those who have brought lunch with them. To learn more about cycling at Bewl Water, follow the link here.
Reculver Towers
This trail, taking cyclists from Reculver Towers to Margate in Kent, is 9 miles of relatively easy cycling without too many steep hills or rough tracks. The easy cycling and relatively short distance makes it a perfect choice for a less experienced cyclist. The path sticks close to the seashore, passing through some stunning coastal landscapes. As you cycle along the coastal path there are some truly beautiful views of the sea shore, and if you bring a picnic you will be able to find a nice spot to stop at to take a break.
The towers themselves are the remains of a 12th century monastery built by the Anglo –Saxons on top of what used to be a prominent Roman fort. The towers are easy to see from the water and have for centuries acted as a landmark for sailors out on the water.
Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest
Bedgebury offers a wide range of family friendly trails for mountain bike enthusiasts, as well as a range of different stops that include a café and a play area for smaller children. A pinetum is a collection of coniferous trees planted either for ornamental reasons or for scientific study. The Bedgebury Pinetum is surrounded by natural growth forest that you can explore, as well as being a hub of conservation efforts for a range of coniferous plant species.
Located in the heart of Kent, this fantastic forest area has a bike hire service as well as offering a fantastic opportunity to see a range of different flora that have been well looked after.
Chartham
Located near Canterbury, this short 3.5-mile trail is a perfect loop for families with young children who wouldn’t be able to complete a far longer route. The trail mostly focusses on the North Downs Way, taking cyclists along the river Stour and through the North Downs. The beautiful landscape has a deep history with the trail taking you through some ancient woodland and through some interesting historic sites such as Milton and Horton and past Britain’s first orchard nature reserve.
If you want to stop off for lunch at any point in your journey, then this incredible route passes by a range of picnic spots, as well as pubs which you can stop at for lunch before you head home.
Sheerness Route
The Sheerness route is a flat and well maintained route with minimal traffic, despite some parts of the trail moving onto the road. The full route is only 6.3 miles and the coastal town is perfect for a day of exploring once you have finished cycling along the route. The town of Sheerness is situated to the very north of Kent, 11 miles East of Chatham.
With a rich local history and fascinating views out to sea, this route is a must-see for those who want to broaden their horizons.
Crab And Winkle Way
Following along the old Canterbury and Whitstable railway, this is a trail that is steeped in history. It is a 7.6 mile one-way route that should take you around an hour to complete. A great way to enjoy your day is to cycle from Canterbury down to Whitstable harbour for lunch, then to cycle back. Whitstable is known for their oysters, so picking up a few to try on the shore front can be a wonderful way to enjoy your lunch.
The route passes through Blean Woods, a habitat which hosts the rare Fritillary Heath Butterfly – try and spot it while you are there! Once you arrive in Whitstable, if you don’t feel up to cycling all the way back you can always take the Whitstable train back to Canterbury.
If you are planning to visit Bewl Water for a cycling trip and are interested in bicycle hire, then please contact us here. Our staff will help you find the right protective equipment and fit you with a bicycle perfect for you.