England: Top 10 most scenic cycling routes in Kent
April 11, 2025
Kent, known as the 'Garden of England,' is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts on two wheels. The county offers countless opportunities for cyclists of all ages, from families with children to experienced cyclists. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through 10 of Kent's most beautiful bicycle routes that will delight you with their scenery, history and diversity. Prepare yourself for unforgettable adventures as you discover quaint villages, majestic forests, picturesque coastlines and fascinating historic sites. Each of these routes offers unique experiences and sights that will stay in your memory for a long time. Whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic getaway for two or a solo exploration, Kent has something for every cycling escapade lover. We invite you to discover the beauty and diversity of Kent on two wheels!
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The most beautiful cycling routes in northern Kent
Start our cycling adventure from the northern part of Kent, where three unique routes offering a variety of landscapes and attractions await us.
- the North Downs Way National Trail The North Downs Way is a long-distance trail that stretches over 150 miles, offering a biking challenge for everyone. The trail is ideal for nature and history lovers. Along the trail you can enjoy scenic limestone hills, ancient forests and quaint villages. The trail also offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history, following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims. The route is well-marked and well-maintained, making it a safe option for families with children. It is worth noting that some sections can be challenging for less experienced cyclists due to steep climbs.
2nd Viking Coastal Trail The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32-mile loop around the Thanet Peninsula, offering unforgettable views of the sea and beaches. This route is ideal for families with children, as most of the trail is flat and leads away from traffic. You can enjoy picturesque bays, chalk cliffs and historic coastal towns. The route offers many places to rest and picnic, as well as numerous attractions along the way, such as the lighthouse at Margate and the Roman ruins at Reculver. This is an excellent option for a day trip, where you can combine cycling with beachcombing and sightseeing.
3 - Bluewater Nature Trail For those looking for a shorter but equally scenic route, the Bluewater Nature Trail is an excellent choice. This 2-mile loop around the lake near Bluewater Mall offers a peaceful ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The trail is ideal for families with young children or novice cyclists. Along the trail, you can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, as well as enjoy numerous rest and picnic areas. This is a great option for combining shopping with active outdoor recreation.
Comparing these routes, the North Downs Way offers the greatest challenge and most varied scenery, but can be more difficult for less experienced cyclists. The Viking Coastal Trail is the longest, but also the most family-friendly due to its flat terrain and numerous attractions along the way. The Bluewater Nature Trail is the shortest and easiest, ideal for a short relaxation in nature.
Each of these trails offers unique experiences and views that will allow you to discover the beauty of northern Kent from the perspective of a bicycle. Whether you're looking for a challenge or a leisurely ride, you'll find something for you.
Bike Through Kent's forests and parks
Continuing our cycling journey through Kent, we move to the county's green lungs, where scenic routes through forests and country parks await.
4 Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts surrounded by nature. This vast forest complex offers more than 13 kilometers of marked biking trails of varying levels of difficulty. Families with children can enjoy the gentle 'Family Trail', while more experienced cyclists can enjoy the challenging singletrack. A unique attraction is the opportunity to admire one of the world's largest collections of conifers. The trails are well-maintained and safe, and there are bike rentals available on site, as well as a cafe where you can relax after your tour.
- Shorne Woods Country Park Shorne Woods Country Park is another gem among Kent's bike trails. The park offers 7 kilometers of biking trails through scenic hardwood forests and heathland. The trails are suitable for cyclists of all ages, and the gentle hills make the ride enjoyable and not too demanding. Along the way you can admire a variety of flora and fauna, and enjoy numerous picnic areas. The park also has a visitor center with a cafe and bicycle rental.
6 The Wildart Trail The Wildart Trail is a unique combination of art and nature on a bicycle trail. This 4-mile trail takes you through the Blean woods, where you can admire fascinating sculptures and art installations placed along the path. This is a great option for families with children who can combine physical activity with art education. The route is easy and accessible for cyclists of all ages, while offering a fascinating visual experience.
7 Trosley Country Park Trosley Country Park offers great cycling trails with beautiful views of the North Downs. The park has a network of trails of varying levels of difficulty, making it ideal for families as well as more advanced cyclists. The trails lead through picturesque beech forests and limestone hills, offering unforgettable panoramas of Kent. The park also features a café and a children's playground, making it the perfect place for a day trip.
Comparing these trails, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers the greatest variety of trails and the best facilities for cyclists, but can be more crowded in high season. Shorne Woods Country Park and Trosley Country Park are more intimate and offer a quieter atmosphere, ideal for family tours. The Wildart Trail stands out for its unique combination of art and nature, making it especially attractive for families with children.
All of these trails offer excellent cycling in a natural setting, with well-maintained paths and the necessary infrastructure. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging route, Kent's forests and parks have much to offer two-wheeled enthusiasts.
Picturesque cycling routes in south Kent
At the end of our cycling tour of Kent, we'll discover the beauty of the southern part of the county, where three unique trails offering a variety of landscapes and attractions await.
8 Forest Way Country Park Forest Way Country Park is a 10-mile bike path that follows an old railroad track between East Grinstead and Groombridge. This flat, well-maintained path is ideal for families with children and novice cyclists. The route passes through scenic woods and fields, offering a peaceful ride away from traffic. Along the way you can admire a variety of flora and fauna, as well as enjoy numerous rest and picnic areas. It's a great option for a leisurely day bike tour.
9 Bewl Water Bewl Water is the largest body of water in southeast England, around which a 12.5-mile cycling trail runs. The path offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills. The route is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to cyclists of all ages. Along the way, visitors can enjoy numerous viewpoints and picnic areas. Bike and water equipment rentals are also available at the resort, allowing cycling to be combined with other water activities.
10 Maidstone Trails Maidstone Trails is a network of bike trails around the city of Maidstone, offering a variety of routes totaling more than 30 miles. The trails take you through both urban areas and scenic rural areas, allowing you to discover the various facets of the region. Particularly recommended is the route along the Medway River, offering beautiful views and a peaceful ride. The trails are well marked and maintained, making them safe for families with children.
Comparing these trails, Forest Way Country Park offers the easiest and safest option for families with young children, thanks to its flat terrain and distance from traffic. Bewl Water stands out for its beautiful lake views and the ability to combine cycling with other water activities. Maidstone Trails offer the greatest variety of trails and the opportunity to explore both urban and rural areas.
The differences in infrastructure are worth noting: Bewl Water has the best facilities with equipment rentals and restaurants, while Forest Way Country Park and Maidstone Trails offer a more natural experience with fewer amenities.
To summarize our journey through Kent's 10 most scenic bike trails, it's worth noting that each offers unique experiences and views. From the coastal paths of the Viking Coastal Trail, to the forest trails of Bedgebury Forest, to the scenic routes around Bewl Water, Kent has cycling routes for everyone, regardless of skill level or preference.
When planning a bicycle tour in Kent, be sure to prepare properly: check the condition of your bike, bring a map or GPS, water and snacks. It's also a good idea to check up-to-date route information on the official websites of parks and reserves, as some paths may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations, especially during the summer season.
Whichever route you choose, cycling around Kent is a great way to get active, explore the region's natural beauty and history, and spend unforgettable moments with family or friends. Discover Kent on two wheels and create your own unforgettable memories!
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