Where to ride your bike around Thanet and along the coast, and which pubs to stop at while you’re at it
Cycle along coastlines and through woodlands on these top rides through Kent
With the promise of warmer weather and the school holidays now upon us, it’s time to get out into that fresh seaside air.
Whether you’re an irregular rider, a seasoned pro or looking for something to do with the kids, there are several bike rides around Thanet that you can turn into an afternoon out or even a day trip.
While the following rides are suitable for most levels and are largely off-road, they’re not entirely car-free.
With that in mind, if you want to take in country sights and sea air while stretching your legs, Strange Tourist recommends the following bike rides, which can, of course, be walked too.
Crab & Winkle Way - Canterbury to Whitstable
An idyllic 11.2 kilometre 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 birthplace of Christianity in England, before making your way through Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, which is very lovely.
Ride through woodlands, streams and 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.
Broadstairs to Deal loop
An intermediate ride that will take around 3.5-4hours to do, this one will give you a taste of the Viking Trail and take you through, or around, Sandwich. The Viking Trail takes you to Pegwell Bay before you veer off towards Sandwich.
You’ll then head back towards the coast as you cycle to Deal, before going on to Walmer if you fancy, taking in countryside and coast along the way on a mix of bike paths and riding on quiet roads.
To take a break, try The Rose or The Bohemian in Deal, or The Berry in Walmer. You could also have a look around Deal Castle or Walmer Castle.
Ramsgate to Sandwich loop
A fairly easy bike ride that takes you away from the coast as you head towards Sandwich, this 25-kilometre bike ride should take about 1.5-2 hours to complete.
It starts at the Courtstairs Chine Cliff top walkway and takes you around Pegwell Bay before guiding you into Sandwich. If you fancy stopping try The Old Pharmacy Bar, or have an old-school sandwich at The Sandwich Shop at 17 Cattle Market, CT13 9AP.
The Viking Coast Trail Whitstable to Pegwell Bay
While the full trail stretches 33.5 kilometres from Whitstable to Cliffs End, you don’t, of course, have to do the whole lot in one crack. Cycling charity Sustrans says to do the whole lot takes about 2 hours, but that can’t be right.
If going from Margate to Whitstable, 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 cycle and walking bath 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 bath takes you past a stretch of well-loved beach huts.
From Margate to Pegwell Bay, also allow an hour or two, and of course more 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.
The ride between Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate can be broken up into family-sized chunks and is car-free for most of the way, bar the little part between Kingsgate and Stone Bay.
