Cycling in Kent? Going on holiday need suggestions!

[Glover Fan]

Hi all,

In just over a week am going on a lovely week away in Kent, staying in a little cottage in a small village called Bilsington just south of Ashford.

Any recommended areas for cycling? Any decent hills to note? I am aware this is the East of the country so nothing will compare to what I am used too. Any recommended cycling friendly cafes within 30 miles? Only wanna do a maximum of 60 mile rides as I don't want to neglect the wife on our holiday!

Cheers in advance.

 

[vickster]

Don't know the area but I find this a useful site - can search on Ashford/Bilsington http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Kent-Routes-85.html

 

[ufkacbln]

Just ride!

I spent a fantastic week around Upstreet / Herne Bay with no routes whatsoever, just random roads and villages - brilliant fun.

 

[Chrisz]

It's a lovely area for cycling - especially if you're not too keen on hills!

From Bilsington you can head out towards tenterden, Appledore etc. and make your way down to Rye - there's a great cafe there right opposite the harbour. On a Sunday morning it's packed with cyclists (early) and motorcyclists (later). You can head back via the canal to Appledore, go through Woodchurch and there's a bit of a climb there - nothing serious really.

We (Ashford Wheelers) have several regular loops out round that way - PM me if you would like Garmin Connect links that show the routes we often use.

 

[Flyingfox]

Check out the Kent County Council website - there are rides on there, one called the Viking route is really good.

Also check out mapmyride or cycle route, people often put up their rides on their, just search for the area you are going.

 

[Wankelschrauben]

If you're looking for a hill it has to be Boxley Hill near Maidstone, it defeated Chris Boardman.

 

[Panter]

If you're looking for a hill it has to be Boxley Hill near Maidstone, it defeated Chris Boardman.

I've ridden that one

Albeit with a great deal of wheezing, whinging, puffing and panting and whilst being overtaken by passing snails...