The best cycling routes in Canterbury

Canterbury offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 320 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy riverside paths to more challenging rides through the Kent Downs.

The routes in Canterbury span all difficulty levels. You'll find approximately 100 easy routes, 165 moderate routes, and 60 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist, from beginners to experienced riders.

Yes, Canterbury has numerous easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. Many of these are traffic-free, such as sections along the Great Stour Way, offering a relaxed and safe cycling experience through tranquil landscapes.

Touring cyclists in Canterbury can experience diverse landscapes, including the rolling hills and scenic vistas of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, peaceful riverbanks along the Great Stour, ancient woodlands like Blean Woods, and captivating coastal paths with sea views. You'll also pass through quiet agricultural land and charming orchards.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Canterbury are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Wye Downs loop from Canterbury — Kent Downs offers a scenic circular ride through the Kent Downs.

Absolutely. Canterbury provides excellent traffic-free cycling options. The Great Stour Way offers peaceful riding along riverbanks, and the famous Crab and Winkle Way, connecting Canterbury to Whitstable, is largely traffic-free and follows a historic railway line.

Canterbury's touring cycling routes often pass by significant historical landmarks. You can visit the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, the impressive Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, or the medieval Westgate Towers. The region is rich in history, with many routes following ancient paths like the Via Francigena.

Yes, Canterbury is well-known for its coastal cycling routes. The Sandwich, Deal & Dover loop from Canterbury provides extensive coastal views. Another great option is the Westgate-on-Sea loop from Reculver on the Viking Coastal Trail, which takes you along the captivating coastline.

The best time for touring cycling in Canterbury is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is milder, and the countryside, including the Kent Downs and orchards, is at its most picturesque. Coastal routes are also very enjoyable in warmer months.

The touring cycling routes in Canterbury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 580 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse scenery, the mix of challenging and gentle paths, and the historical points of interest along the way.

Canterbury is a hub for several significant cycling routes. It's a starting point for the ancient pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena, and is well-served by National Cycle Routes 1 and 18. The Cantii Way, a 234km bikepacking tour, also explores East Kent's coastal towns and rolling hills, originating from the area.

Many routes offer stunning scenic viewpoints, particularly those traversing the Kent Downs, where you'll find panoramic views of the rolling countryside. Coastal routes, such as those near Dover and Whitstable, provide expansive sea views. The Reculver Towers and the Roman Fort – Beresford Gap Coastal Path loop from Whitstable is a great example for coastal vistas.

Canterbury is cyclist-friendly and offers good parking facilities. This includes secure shelters and lockers for bikes, and a Park and Pedal scheme, making it convenient to access the various touring cycling routes around the city.