On Yer Bike: Coastal spring rides for all abilities
There are a number of cycle paths around the East Kent coast that are ideal to shake off winter with - a seaside bike ride with a side of horizon is the perfect tonic to being hemmed in by winter.
Whether you’re a fair weather cyclist or your rear is pocked with saddle sores, or even if you are looking for a family day out, you can turn these rides into an afternoon jaunt or a day out.
Most of these rides are suitable for all levels and are mainly off-road, however they are not entirely car free.
So, feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the burn in your thighs with one of these dreamy rides, which can also be walked if that’s your preference.
Crab & Winkle Way - Canterbury to Whitstable
An idyllic 11.2km ride between Canterbury and Whitstable Harbour. The mostly car-free route will take you through woodland and some pretty fine views. It’s about 40 minutes on the bike and a 2.5 hour walk, give or take.
Starting at the Cathedral, you’ll begin your ride at the centre of Christianity in England, before making your way through Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, which is very, very lovely.
Ride through woodlands, streams and past a church in a field before hopping on the salt route to Whitstable.
Pack a picnic and stop at either Blean Woods or at the Winding Pond Picnic Area, towards the end of the ride. Alternatively, save yourself for a pint and a casual seafood meal at The Lobster Shack, which is one of the best spots in town to catch a sunset. Old Neptune is another sunset spot and bang on the beach, but it can get noisy if there’s a band.
For a feed a little more swish, Samphire is an unfussy bistro plating up seasonal British fare of the likes of beef tartare, cod and parmesan croquettes, and asparagus, ricotta and potato pithivier. It’s very nice, not stuffy.
Pier to Pier - Ramsgate to Deal
An intermediate ride around 21km long that will take you from Ramsgate through Sandwich and into Deal mainly on cycle paths, bridleways and country lanes. Give yourself at least an hour and a half to go one way, and three if you’re doing the round trip and not planning to stop. This ride starts Ramsgate East Pier on The Viking Trail which takes you to Pegwell Bay before you veer off to Sandwich (you could stop at The Old Pharmacy Bar, or have an old-school sandwich at The Sandwich Shop at 17 Cattle Market, CT13 9AP).
You’ll then head back towards the coast as you cycle to Deal, where you can rest at any number of spots including Deal Pier Kitchen or The Rose for a treat, or The Bohemian, The Kings Head or The Berry in Walmer for something more casual.
If you want a longer ride, start at Broadstairs and carry on to Kingsdown and park yourself at the Zetland Arms for a well deserved rest.
The Viking Trail Loop - Around Thanet
If you do want to smash out a decent ride, the 33.5km Viking Loop Trail is the ticket. If doing this route in sections, you can start and finish almost anywhere, as train stations are dotted along the route in the various towns you pass. Cycling charity Sustrans says to do the whole lot takes about two hours, but that seems like a lot of effort. Plus, you'll want to make time to take in the sights.
If starting coastal, access the trail near Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Birchington by heading to coastline and picking a direction. Heading east, once you pass Pegwell Bay and Cliff’s End, the route veers inland, through picturesque countryside and the villages of Minster, Monkton and Nicholas St Wade. From here, you’ll hit the coast line again at Reculver as you make your way back to your starting point.
Whether you over estimated your cycling prowess or gave yourself too much time, you’ll pass plenty of spots for a break on the way. You’ve got The Bell Inn at Minster and another in Nicholas St Wade as well as The King Ethelbert Inn near Reculver.
Margate to Pegwell Bay is decent chunk of the trail and the most coastal section of the trail. It's straight-forward without a map, and allow an hour or two - more of course, if you want to make pit stops. The ride between Margate and Ramsgate is probably familiar to most. Heading out of Margate the path is a flat, protected ride along the cliffs that will take you past The Captain Digby before you schlep up the hill and through the soulless North Foreland Estate gated community.
You could make a pit stop at Stone Bay, for beach side bevvy or snack from Namaka, or push on until you get to Viking Bay where The Tartar Frigate is good for a beer, or better yet, have ice cream at Morelli’s. Ramsgate is just a little further beyond, where Weatherspoon’s is the easiest spot for a post-ride sit. For a nicer reward, try Albion House which also has great sea views.
Pushing on to Pegwell Bay, Pegwell Bay Hotel has a fab beer garden overlooking, erm, Pegwell Bay. If you time it right, this spot is another good call to watch the sun go down.
Oyster Bay Trail - Reculver to Whitstable
At Reculver, the Viking Trail connects to the Oyster Bay Trail, which takes you onto Whitstable along the coast. It's an easy shoreline hugging route that connects to Ramsgate, Broadstairs or Margate, and pretty straight forward, even without a map. If going from Margate to Whitstable, you'll pass through Birchington, Minnis Bay and Herne Bay - allow a few hours, especially if you plan to stop off at pubs along the way.
Heading out of Margate, you’ll ride past Westgate, Birchington and Minnis Bay as you head towards Reculver. There’s a little bit of on-road riding after Westgate, but you’ll soon be back on a flat paved path flanked by sea and fields.
The King Ethelbert Inn, a pub with a slightly scruffy charm, is a good pit stop and is just near Reculver. From there, it’s off-track to Herne Bay, where The Hampton Inn is another good rest stop. Herne Bay to Whitstable boasts plenty of seaside charm as the bike path takes you past a stretch of well-loved beach huts.
Margate Canterbury Mega Loop
Another ride for the experienced and hard-arsed cyclist, this loop is a combination of the Viking Trail and the Crab and Winkle Way. It’s around 90km, which sounds like you'd want to give yourself plenty of time, and another loop with multiple access points.
Taking Margate as a starting point, take The Viking Trail towards Ramsgate. Once past Monkton, you’ll take another path towards and veer off once you pass Preston which will take you past Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve and into Fordwich on your way into Canterbury.
From Canterbury, take the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable, where you can then rejoin The Viking Trail to make your way back to Margate.
Family Friendly Rides
The ride between Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate can be broken up into family-sized chunks which we’ve spelt out below. Bar the little part between Kingsgate and Stone Bay to route is car-free for most of the way.
Margate to Kingsgate
If you’re heading out with little ones in tow, Margate to Kingsgate is a car-free route along the cliffs as part of the Viking Trail. You can hop on the path anywhere from Margate train station and follow it along to the Captain Digby, which is well set up for kids. From Turner Contemporary to the pub, it’s about 5.3km.
Margate to Broadstairs
If you fancy a little longer ride, continue on through Joss Bay and that weird gated community - this isn’t a road free path but traffic is minimal and there are footpaths children can cycle on. Its roughly an additional 3km. Take the bike down to Stone Bay for a sandy stop off or continue riding with the sea at your side into Viking Bay, and all the spoils of Broadstairs where you can also access a train station. You could also start in Broadstairs and end up at Margate - The Shakespeare is the perfect place for a post ride drink, and kids are welcome until 8pm.
Broadstairs to Ramsgate
Another route which can be done in reverse, this easy, car-free ride takes you from Ramsgate Harbour, along East Cliff and into Broadstairs. From Morelli's to Staple Stores in Ramsgate, which are both great places to start or finish at, is around 4km.
Deal to Kingsdown
This flat ride is just over 4km and takes you from the station to the Zetland Arms pub. Car-free once you make your way from the station to the coastline, it’s a straight along the promenade to the pub. Along the way you’ll pass Deal Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens, and if you don’t fancy riding back to Deal to catch the train, Walmer station is closer.
Bike hire and services
Cols Kent Bike Tours
Guided tours on bike, departing from Margate, Canterbury and Whitstable. They also run a Tuesday social ride, starting at Margate train station at 6.30pm until 8.30pm. colskentbiketours.co.uk
The Bike Shed Kent, Margate
71 Canterbury Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5AS instagram.com/thebikeshedkent_margate
Harbour Bikes, Ramsgate
20 Military Rd, Ramsgate CT11 9LG instagram.com/harbour_bikes
Ken's Bikes, Margate
26 Eaton Road, CT9 1XA kensbikes.co.uk
Margate Bikes & Hire
87a Canterbury Road, Westbrook, CT9 5AX margatebikesandhire.co.uk
Briar E Bikes, Thanet-wide delivery
Ride Margate
403 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 3PF ridemargate.com
VCT Bike Hire, Birchington
1 The Parade, Minnis Bay, CT7 9FB, 01843 843309
Wheelability, Minnis Bay
Bikes for disabled and non-disabled people Minnis Bay Car Park, The Parade, Minnis Bay yourleisure.uk.com/wheelability
Bear in mind
We’re now entering the high season and pedestrians have right of way on shared footpaths. From May 1 to September 30 between sunrise and sunset, cyclists must not ride on promenades where signage instructs you to dismount.