The best traffic-free bike rides around Bearsted

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Bearsted listed in this guide. Most of these, 13 to be exact, are considered moderate, while one route is easy, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Yes, for an easier option, consider The Black Horse Inn loop from Bearsted. This route is shorter and has less elevation gain. The wider Kent area also features traffic-free promenade routes along its coastline, which are generally suitable for family rides.

The routes around Bearsted traverse diverse landscapes, including the rolling hills and woodlands of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You'll encounter serene woodlands like the Bearsted Woodland Trust and Hucking Estate, offering picturesque views and a peaceful cycling experience away from traffic.

Many of the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Pilgrims' Way – Pilgrims Way loop from Downswood and the Bearsted Woodland Trust – Cavendish Cafe loop from Bearsted. These loops offer varied distances and elevations.

You can explore several historical and natural attractions. The famous Leeds Castle is a major highlight nearby. You might also pass by ancient sites like Kit's Coty House Megalithic Tomb or historic churches such as All Saints Church, Hollingbourne. The Pilgrims' Way itself is a historic path that some routes follow.

Bearsted village generally offers parking options. For routes starting near the Bearsted Woodland Trust, you can find parking facilities in the vicinity. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability before your visit, especially during peak times.

Yes, the routes are designed to pass through or near charming villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Bearsted Woodland Trust – Cavendish Cafe loop from Bearsted specifically mentions the Cavendish Cafe. The The Black Horse Inn – Pilgrims Way loop from Bearsted also indicates a pub stop. Many local establishments are cyclist-friendly.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet lanes, the beautiful Kent countryside, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like Leeds Castle without significant traffic concerns. The well-maintained paths through woodlands and the scenic views are frequently highlighted.

Bearsted has a railway station, making it accessible by train. From the station, you can easily connect to various cycling routes that start directly from the village. This allows for convenient access without needing a car.

Spring and summer are generally ideal, offering pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes, especially when the bluebells are in bloom in woodlands like Hucking Estate. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter rides are possible, be mindful of shorter daylight hours and potentially wetter conditions on unpaved sections.

While most routes are moderate, the longer loops, such as the Pilgrims Way – The Black Horse Inn loop from Bearsted, offer distances up to 30 km and elevation gains of over 280 meters, providing a good workout. The Kent Downs AONB, which these routes traverse, features rolling hills that can add a challenging element to your ride.

Many public footpaths and bridleways in the Kent countryside, including those that form part of these cycling routes, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control. Specific rules may apply in nature reserves like the Bearsted Woodland Trust, so it's always best to check local signage or the specific venue's guidelines. Please ensure your dog is comfortable with cycling alongside you and that you adhere to leash laws.