Follow the Pilgrims Cycle Trail
This wonderful new cycle route follows much of the historic Pilgrims Way.
It has been created to provide fantastic cycling for anyone wishing to enjoy a sunny day cycling leisurely through the heart of Kent.
The route is a mixture of on and off road cycling. Mountain bikes are recommended for the off road sections as some section follow byways which can be uneven in places.
Although the route as a whole can be quite challenging, it can easily be broken down using many of the access points along the way, including Ashford and Maidstone where there are good public transport links and parking.
Starting in the west and travelling to the east, the journey begins under the imposing stature of Rochester Cathedral and Castle. Leaving the Medway Towns you will join
a relatively quiet road network towards Maidstone before cutting through off- road tracks alongside the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and up through shady woodland to Blue Bell Hill passing by the Robin Hood Pub at the top. A charming grade II listed pub, the Robin Hood is reported to be one of the oldest in England and was apparently once frequented by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Continuing on, enjoy the quiet lanes and dedicated cycle track before taking the safe route over Detling Hill on Jade’s Crossing. Here the route can be picked up from nearby Maidstone. Along the route there are some exceptional Kent country pubs, such as the Black Horse Inn at Thurnham and the Dirty Habit at Hollingbourne.
Enjoy spectacular views as you carry on along a mixture of quiet lanes and off-road bridleways and byways, you will pass through the villages of Charing and Westwell before reaching the outskirts of Ashford. Entering Ashford, the route follows dedicated cycle routes, passing through Eureka Leisure Park before meeting the River Stour and National Cycle route 18.
Phil Spencer, the TV presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location and Phil Spencer: Secret Agent, is calling for cyclists to join him on a gruelling cycling challenge to raise vital funds for the children’s charity Action Medical Research. The Castle ride, now in its 9th year, is an endurance ride which starts and finishes at Tonbridge Castle. The 100- mile circular route, which also features
The last 17-mile stretch takes you
through the valley of the Great Stour into the city of Canterbury. The first section follows quiet lanes through the pretty village of Wye and up the steep hills to Crundale before heading down the other side to Chartham. At Chartham the route joins onto the Great Stour Way, a newly created traffic-free riverside path towards Canterbury.
Challenge yourself in the Castle 100 ride
a two shorter options, takes the riders through stunning scenery that includes passing Bodiam Castle. Phil Spencer, originally from Kent,
said. “This will be my fourth year taking part in the Castle Ride 100 and challenging yourself physically and raising money for a worthwhile cause. To join Phil and be a part of the ride, for more information, visit
www.action.org.uk/castle-ride-100
action.org.uk/castle100 24 Mid Kent Living
Castle 100
Above image, courtesy of Explore Kent
17 May 2015 3 distance options
It’s amazing what you can do on a bike 34 70 103
miles miles miles
15% discount with this advert - code
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