Kent’s Hidden Gems: E-Leisure Routes
If you’ve just acquired your first E-Bike, congratulations! E-Bikes open the door to cycling for many people who wouldn’t have otherwise chosen to ride, whether for fitness or practicality, and you’re in for a whole load of fun. Now that you’re up and running, chances are you want to get out there and start exploring, so we’ve put together a few routes to get you going.
(Of course, these routes aren’t exclusive to E-Bikes – they can be enjoyed by anyone on two wheels!)
The Routes
Royal Military Canal
Distance: 18.7 miles/30.1km
Elevation: 300ft/91m
Starting from Activ Folkestone, this round trip takes in some of the local countryside and is accessible to riders of any ability. Full of pleasant views and quiet country lanes, this is the perfect route for an afternoon outing! Heading out and along the seafront then up to West Hythe, you’ll venture across the famous Military Canal – what was initially built as an invasion defence in the Napoleonic Wars, now serves as a tranquil cycling route! This will take you past Port Lympne Safari Park (keep an eye out for the giraffes!), and then back out into the lanes where you’ll follow the national cycle route home. Consisting of mostly paved surfaces with some off-road sections thrown in, this route favours slightly chunkier tyres, but you shouldn’t have any issues on any bike.
Cathedral To Castle
Distance: 19.0 miles/30.6km
Elevation: 1,125ft/343m
The concept of this route is simple: a point-to-point adventure from one historical landmark to another. Rolling out from Canterbury Cathedral, this picturesque starting point is easily accessible via train if you’re based elsewhere in Kent, and most importantly has plenty of excellent cafés in close proximity! Rolling through quiet country lanes the entire way, there are several Churches and landmarks along the route to admire on your journey. Once you enter Dover your final destination is up a short climb, but trust us, it’s worth it! Dover Castle is an impressive sight, looking down across the down and out to the sea – well worth looking around if that’s your cup of tea. With hot beverages in mind, once you’re done sightseeing you can roll back down the hill and finish off with a café stop!
Woodchurch Windmill Loop
Distance: 25.7 miles/41.4km
Elevation: 425ft/130m
Starting and finishing at Activ Ashford, this route showcases some of the countryside in the surrounding area, and despite being slightly longer, can be enjoyed by riders of all abilities! Quiet country lanes are in plentiful supply here in Kent, and this ride takes full advantage of that as you roll down towards the main destination: Woodchurch Windmill. With a rich history dating back to 1820, you can take a look around and learn about its past, and most importantly it’s also a fantastic photo opportunity! The ride back to Activ Ashford continues through the lanes before you jump onto Ashford’s network of bike paths for a traffic-free return.
