A GREAT ROUTE TO RIDE... THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
Best for Riders who want variety – sweeping A-roads, technical sections, and constantly changing scenery (history, countryside and dramatic coastline) in one day
Distance 99 miles
Route Canterbury, Ashford, Newtown, Lydd, Lydd-on-Sea, Greatstone, Camber Sands, Rye, Flimwell, Tonbridge, Leybourne Lakes Country Park
Why it’s great Often treated as a gateway to the continent, but this near-100-mile loop proves Kent is a top destination – it was one of my fave Big Rides from contributor Jim Moore.
Starting in historic Canterbury, you slip out onto a mix of fast A-roads, testing B-roads and hedge-lined lanes through orchards, hop farms and chalky downland. The ride’s character keeps changing: rural villages and wooded cuttings give way to huge skies and the eerie shingle moonscape of Dungeness peninsula and its power station, before the route swings back through classic market-town England to café-rich Royal Tunbridge Wells and a relaxed finish at Leybourne Lakes Country Park.
When to go Great year-round. Autumn brings huge skies and quieter roads around Dungeness. Peak season adds traffic, but rewards you with long, bright evenings.
Where to visit Start with Canterbury’s history and cathedral. Don’t miss the unique Dungeness peninsula. Detour for Rye’s cobbles and timber buildings, then browse Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Take a picture at Dungeness for the shingle, huts and power station backdrop; Camber Sands for wide dunes and sea views; or stop by an oast house in hop country – they’re a charming and quintessentially Kentish sight.
Stop for a cuppa at Beryl’s Café near Rye is a perfect midway stop for home-made food and friendly service.
Our Ride: Kent Loop