The Oyster Bay Trail

If you enjoy great sea views, big skies and historic landscapes then visit the seven mile long Oyster Bay Trail.

Location: Swalecliffe to Reculver

Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km), allow 1 hour

Terrain: Mostly flat, surfaced path

Parking: At Reculver Country Park, Herne Bay and Swalecliffe

Refreshments & facilities: Visitor Centre, toilets and refreshments at Reculver Country Park, refreshments also available en route at Swalecliffe and Herne Bay.

The first phase of this new cycle route comprises of around 5 miles of promenade, new traffic-free cycle paths and lightly trafficked residential roads. A further 1.5 miles are signed along the traffic calmed Herne Bay sea front which also benefits from a new 20mph speed limit along Central Parade.

A wonderful addition to Kent's coastal cycle network, this newly constructed trail provides a natural extension to the renowned Viking Coastal Trail and links Reculver Country Park to Bishopstone, Herne Bay and Swalecliffe.

The Oyster Bay Trail is signed Regional Route 15 and transports visitors from the sea wall at Swalecliffe towards Hampton. The route then follows the traffic calmed Herne Bay sea front and rejoins the promenade at the eastern end of Herne Bay. At Bishopstone it goes around woodland and on towards Reculver Country Park where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, a delight at sunset.

Reculver Country Park is internationally important for wildlife as a Special Protection Area and Special Site of Scientific Interest. The eroding cliffs provide an important habitat for a range of insects and birds. The cliff top grassland provides a pleasant walk and cycle ride for visitors between Reculver and Bishopstone. Sand Martins nest in the cliffs and the grassland on top is a wildflower meadow, home to butterflies and skylarks. The coast is undefended and the constant landslips reveal the geology of the area.

The Reculver Towers are a landmark and Scheduled Ancient Monument that can be seen across the coastline from Herne Bay to Birchington, and the Kentish Flats offshore Wind Farm can also be seen from afar. Reculver Visitor Centre is a great place to stop and rest or to find out more about the area as it has superb displays about the site and a range of information about the importance of the site for wildlife, history and geology. Convenient cycle parking and public toilets are also provided close by.

For those wishing to cycle further afield, go further east along the Viking Coastal Trail towards Margate via the slip way and numerous bays.

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