SOUTH EAST WHITSTABLE OYSTER BAY TRAIL

DISTANCE: 8 miles GRADE: Easy START: Whitstable Harbour FINISH: Reculver Country Park NEAREST TRAIN STATIONS: Whitstable, Herne Bay and Birchington-on-Sea TERRAIN, GRADIENTS AND

ACCESS: Largely flat along promenade with some climbs and on-road sections. Short grassy section leads through Reculver Country Park. NCN ROUTE NO: SETTING out from Whitstable Harbour, ride alongside the shore. After a couple of miles you’ll come to Tankerton – be sure to look back over the Isle of Sheppey and Whitstable.

From Tankerton, follow a path around Long Rock – a breeding and feeding ground for coastal birds – before the curve of land at Hampton comes into view. There’s a short climb up Western Esplanade, then you’ll see Herne Bay. After the seafront gardens, bandstand and King’s Hall, you’ll emerge into the wilder landscape of the North Kent coast.

At the steep-sided gully in the sandstone cliffs at Bishopstone Glen, leave the coastline momentarily and climb the quiet road to enter Reculver Country Park on an undeveloped stretch of shore.

The final mile offers the best sea views of the route before a gentle downhill ride.

After finishing your cycle ride at Reculver Country Park’s visitor centre, enjoy a walk along the shingle beach with its impressive views over the Thames Estuary and Kentish Flats wind farm. STAY: Sleeperzzz Guest House, Whitstable, 01227 636975, sleeperzzz.net EAT AND DRINK: The Old Neptune pub at Whitstable; The Tankerton Bay cafe and JoJo’s are recommended. You could also try the Hampton Inn at Herne Bay, Reculver Country Park cafe, and Little Winkles seafood kiosk. CYCLE HIRE: Kent Cycle Hire, 01227 388058, kentcyclehire.com