Cycle Routes

For the seasoned cyclist, around Kent either for a holiday or for regular two-wheel explorers it's worth browsing Cycle Kent. One of the most popular route for cyclists at Crabble Mill is 'Coast to Cathedral' which is downloadable from Sustrans or getting a copy from the mill.

'Coast to Cathedral'

This is a marvelous 50 mile (80km) circular ride on Regional Routes 16 & 17 linking Dover Folkestone and Canterbury which passes near Crabble Mill. It could therefore be the perfect place to start or finish!

The ride is blessed with leafy lanes and bridleways, rolling hills,, wide skies, woodland, country villages and hamlets; the perfect recipe for a cycle holiday and great day rides. The circular route can be approached anti-clockwise via Route 16 as the climb out of Dover is short and steep compared to the longer harder climb out of Folkstone.

With stunning views of Dover Castle out of Dover, you soon join quiet country lanes and meander through fine East Kent countryside and old villages to Patrixbourne where you join the North Downs Way to Canterbury. The return leg from Canterbury branches off Route 16 at Patrixbourne as you pick up scenic Route 17 through Bridge to follow quiet valley lanes past Lynsore Bottom to Elham.

Routes in White Cliffs Country

If you want to be based more locally for a cycling holiday then do ask for recommended camp sites and other 'bike-friendly' accommodation.

There are newly opened cycle routes throughout the district help you explore more. Enrich your senses as you take in open views, fresh sea air and contrasting countryside. Stop off to visit magical castles, or for refreshments at characterful old inns and teashops along the routes.

National Route 1 Dover to Deal:
Come by the sea or from the west into Dover, and the first thing you see is the magnificent white cliffs. Before leaving spend some time savouring Dover's rich maritime history as the Gateway to England, perhaps take a dip in the sea. Route 1 is well signed.
From Dover there's a steep climb to Langdon Cliffs, then through to St Margaret's with magnificent views over the Channel.
The route to Kingsdown follows an off-road track across open downland with lovely open views. At Kingsdown the route leaves the road to follow a shared path next to the shingle beach.
In Walmer the route passes the Castle and Walmer Green with the Lifeboat house.. The path reaches Deal near the spot where Julius Caesar landed in 55BC.
At Deal Castle the route shares the seafront promenade with pedestrians.

Deal to Sandwich, also Route 1:
From Deal Pier rejoin the seafront road and ride north. At the end of the seafront, follow signs to Golf Rd. The route follows a quiet lane past world famous golf courses, through sand dunes and flat grassy fields where medieval monks drained the old marshlands. Look out for all the sea birds and rare plants; stop for a picnic on the beach or in the dunes, or a meal at one of the traditional Inns. Lock up your bikes on the quay, picnic by the riverside and, if you've time saunter through the fascinating medieval streets of half-timbered houses. Sandwich was once the greatest port and fourth largest town in England! From Sandwich, it's a short ride to Richborough Roman Fort, or to the village of Worth with its duck pond and two fine pubs.

The Sandwich Way, Route 15:
At the Dover end, Crabble Corn Mill is nearby. The route starts near the superstores and goes under the A2 to Whitfield where it joins Route 16, a way up from the Docks. Follow the route past Guston through the beautiful rolling countryside, partly on the former main road and partly on the purpose-built track. It is an area of bridleways for off-roaders, ancient churches, hedgerows, yew trees and medieval villages with timber-framed buildings. Halfway to Sandwich there's a sheltered picnic spot and some attractive pubs with gardens. Just off the route are old churches in the old mining towns of Betteshanger and Tilmanstone. In Eastry there are more Inns, also there are 'PYO' fruit farms before cycling near Worth then through to Sandwich.

The Miners' Cycle Trail:
A new route which explores the beautiful lower slopes of the North Downs between Deal and Shepherdswell, past what remains of the old Kent coal mines and the rush for 'black' gold'. At Sholden starts one of the first cycle tracks on the country. With Miners getting injured riding home in the dark a campaign was launched to build a path separated from the main road! At the end of the track, go left down the hill, then right through Finglesham. Then, follow signs to Eastry, up hill and down dale, past the Blazing Donkey. Look out for local churches, shops of local produce, interesting birds and wildlife. At Eastry stop at the pubs or something to eat at the fish bar, or over the crossroads into Mill Lane. At the edge of the villages is a sharp left, look out for the turn into Thornton Lane, then a country junction where you take a bridlepath to Shepherdswell. You will pass by pastures and to the East Kent Light Railway. Perhaps pause to take a short train-ride on steam railway which once carried coal from the nearby collieries.

The Skylark Trail:
This route starts outside Deal station. From the bridge take Mill Rd into Victoria Park. Follow the signed off-road path past Tides Swimming Pool. From Walmer station, take Station Rd under the bridge, then turn into Coldblow Rd. Go over the level crossing, past Ringwould with a delightful old church and yew trees, and an old pub. There are great views of open countryside, old woods and hedgerows. Martin is an historic village where you can also stop for refreshments at the Old Lantern Inn which has a large garden. Martin Mill station is easy walking distance to start or leave the route and there is a good, recommended campsite here too.

For a copy of the leaflet or for guided cycle rides all year round contact White Cliffs Countryside Project or call 01304 241806.