Pilgrims Cycle Trail
Route
summary:
47 miles (75.6km). On-road 56% - Off-road 44%. Linear
route.
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.
| Ride Easy (6 mph) |
Ride Well (7-8 mph) |
Ride Strong Plus+ (13-15 mph) |
| 7 hours 50 minutes* |
5 hours 50 minutes* |
3 hours* |
*all times approximations.
Maps & guides:
Route:
About the route:
Although the route as a whole can
prove to 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 great public transport links and parking.
Starting in the west travelling to the east of the county our
journey starts 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 is much temptation in the
way of some exceptional Kent country pubs, offering a welcome
pit-stop for the thirsty traveller. On this section you will pass
by the Black Horse Inn at Thurnham and the Dirty Habit at
Hollingbourne.
The views as you continue will open up
in an overwhelming manner. A number of interpretation panels can be
found as you cycle describing this Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, its wildlife and landscapes.
Carrying 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, passes through Eureka Leisure Park before
meeting the River Stour and National Cycle route 18. At this point
you could hop off the route and catch the train back from Ashford
International train station or carry on to Canterbury.
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.
Useful information:
Weather near start
point
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office
If you need to report a problem on this route
please call 0845 345 0210 or use the online
reporting tool. You can then choose to receive regular updates
about the progress of your report.