Canterbury
Castles, churches, rolling countryside and the white cliffs – this ride has it all
CANTERBURY’S A LOVELY city that wears its heritage proudly. It may be famous for its cathedral, or at least its arch-bishop, but the whole of the medieval centre is lovely, with cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings. The Norman castle is a ruin but parts of the old city wall have lasted better.
Though it’s no longer the capital of Kent (Maidstone has taken over as the county’s administrative hub), Canterbury remains an excellent base from which to explore the countryside. There’s plenty to see in the garden of England, from impressive castles to steam railways.
But we’re not here just to wander the tourist sites. We’re here for the riding, which is excellent. Our one-day route takes in the coast on the Sussex/kent border, before heading to the white cliffs for lunch and then the Isle of Thanet for an ice cream, before returning to Canterbury.
STAGE ONE Canterbury to Rye 40 miles
Leave Canterbury on the A28 towards Ashford. Stay on the road past Chilham station, as it becomes the A252 to Charing. When the A252 meets the A20 at the Charing roundabout, turn left towards Ashford. After three miles, turn right on the minor road signed towards Hothfield and Little Chart. At the next T-junction, turn right into Hothfield and by the village sign, as the road bears right, turn left to Bethersden. When this lane meets the A28 in Bethersden, turn right to Tenterden. As you come into Tenterden, look out for the left turn for the B2080 to Appledore. Stay on the road through Appledore village and turn right on the minor road to Iden Lock and Rye. If you cross the bridge, you’ve just missed the turn. Morning coffee: Café on the Quay, Rye Our route arrives on the east side of Rye – but follow the A259 round the edge of town towards Hastings. By the roundabout next to the river on the west of Rye is this excellent bikefriendly café. A good place to stop for coffee and an excellent breakfast as well, just in case you ended up skipping the first meal of the day.
STAGE TWO Rye to Folkestone 40 miles
Take the A256 east from Rye, towards Dover. A mile after the roundabout, turn right on the minor road to Camber and Lydd Airport. Keep going, skirting Lydd village, on the B2057 to New Romney. At the A259 T-junction, turn right and continue to Hythe. Keep going straight through Hythe, following signs for the M20.
At the A20, turn right towards the M20, but go straight across the motorway roundabout and take the B2068 towards Canterbury. After four and a half miles, turn right beside the petrol station on the minor road to Rhodes Minnis. At the T-junction, turn right back towards Hythe. When this minor road meets the A20, turn left towards Folkestone.
Join the M20 for one junction, then take the slip road and pick up the A259 to Folkestone Harbour. Go straight across two roundabouts and at the third, take the second exit for the B2011 to Capel-le-ferne. Go past the Battle of Britain Memorial and take the first right turn to reach our lunch stop.
Lunch: Cliff Top Café, Capelle-ferne Old-school café with million-dollar views and a hearty menu. Decent parking and bikes welcome.
STAGE THREE Folkestone to Broadstairs 30 miles
After lunch, go back down the hill past the Battle of Britain Memorial and cross the first roundabout. At the next, turn right on the A260 to Hawkinge. Stay on this road for nine miles then turn right towards Dover and the A2 – but don’t get on the A2. At the roundabout, carry straight on, taking the B2046 to Aylesham. In Wingham, turn right on the A257 to Sandwich. At the A256 roundabout, turn left to Ramsgate. Turn right on the A299 and then keep following signs for Broadstairs until you eventually reach the harbour.
Afternoon treat: Morelli’s Gelato
There may now be Morelli’s ice-cream parlours in London, Monaco, Dubai and other exotic locations… but the Broadstairs one - the first in the UK - opened in 1932. It’s an institution and the icecreams are amazing. www.morellisgelato.com
STAGE FOUR Broadstairs to Canterbury 30 miles
Retrace your steps from the seafront at Broadstairs to pick up the A299 towards London and Canterbury. At the Monkton roundabout, take the second exit for the A253 to Canterbury. After four miles, turn right in Upstreet on the minor road to Chislet. Then, at the T-junction after Highstead, turn right to Hillborough, then take the first right to rejoin the A299 towards London – but then take the first exit towards Herne. At the first roundabout turn right towards Herne Bay, then at the next go straight over on the A2990 to Whitstable. Cross one roundabout and then, at the following double roundabout, turn left to Chestfield and stay on this road all the way back to Canterbury.