Tudor Trail
Route summary:
6 miles (9.6km). Linear route.
The Tudor Trail runs from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place.
It offers an excellent mostly off-road ride from the heart of
Tonbridge alongside the River Medway, out into the countryside to
the glorious Penshurst Place. When off road do expect pot holes and
small cracks.
| Ride Easy (6 mph) |
Ride Well (7-8 mph) |
Ride Strong Plus+ (13-15 mph) |
| 1 hour* |
45 minutes* |
30 minutes* |
*all times approximations.
Maps & guides:
Route:
About the route:
Kings and archbishops, as well as tyrants and
heroes have helped write 900 years of English history at
Tonbridge Castle. Before setting off on the
picturesque ride, a look around the motte-and-bailey and 13th
century gatehouse is highly recommended.
This wonderful cycle ride takes you past
playing fields on the edge of Tonbridge and into Haysden Country
Park, running around the edge of Barden Lake with its wide
variety of birdlife. Shortly after passing beneath the A21 you
enter a delightful secret kingdom of lush broadleaf woodland
carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and a delight in autumn as
the colours change. The first noticeable climb of the day comes
between the bridge over the River Medway and Well Place Farm giving
you wide-ranging views of the surrounding countryside and setting
you up for a fine descent past two lakes to arrive at Penshurst Place, the finest
and most complete example in England of 14th-century domestic
architecture - a medieval masterpiece that retains the
warmth and character of a much-loved family home. Enjoy a
refreshing drink or light snack at the newly opened Porcupine
Pantry cafe.
After a look around the house and gardens, refreshment will have
truly been earned and a trip into Penshurst village offers a good
choice of places to eat and drink.
If
further biking opportunities are desired, then pay a visit to the
nearby Penshurst Off-Road Centre.
This park is open all year in Viceroys Wood.
It offers mountain bike trails for all levels of ability,
ranging from very technical to family friendly.
Cycles can be hired on site.
More information on cycling in the area:
Useful information:
Weather at start point
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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.