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resort, with a lovely sand and shell beach - perfect for families. At the Further inland stop at the RSPB 'Raptor View Point', a premier site for
beginning of the 20th century the American Wright Brothers, pioneers birds of prey and watch Marsh Harriers swooping over the reed beds
of early flight, made the Isle of Sheppey a focal point of British aviation. between April and October. The Isle of Harty Trail is mostly off-road, the
They commissioned the Short brothers, who had already set up a factory path is largely tarmac or concrete with sections of rolled gravel.
on land between Leysdown and Shellness, to build aeroplanes to fly at
Eastchurch. Nearby Muswell Manor was the headquarters for the early When off-road do expect pot holes and small cracks. Routes go through
aviators and subsequently became the base for the Royal Aero Club of working farms and so occasional farm traffic should be expected.
Great Britain. The first pilot’s licence was issued here. Today the Grade II
listed building is a popular holiday centre. Crab and Winkle Way
Continue on to the Isle of Harty; once an Island separated by up to a mile The path, which caters for riders of all abilities, takes its name from the
of water! Go inside the 900 year old Harty Church to admire the Flemish pioneering railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable
Kist (a 14th century wooden chest), carved with two jousting knights and from the early part of the 19th century. It was one of the first to be built
brought in on one of these tides. Close by is The Ferry House Inn near in Great Britain.
to the Ferry Landing where, until 1947, a regular ferry crossed to the
mainland. For unrivalled wildlife visit the internationally important Swale With an area designated as a World Heritage Site, there is a lot to see and
National Nature Reserve adjoining the estuary. do in Canterbury. From visiting the cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and
Canterbury museum, to exploring the city's lanes and countless historic Viking Coastal Trail
buildings.
On the way to Whitstable, the path passes through the Blean, with its
13th century Church of St Cosmus and St Damian, and Blean Woods,
a delightful RSPB nature reserve covering more than 11 square miles.
The journey also takes you through the conifer-dominated woodland
of Clowes Wood, one of the best places in the country to hear the
remarkable song of the nightjar.
Once in Whitstable, seafood is high on the agenda and places to consider
include the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, East Quay Shellfish Bar,
Wheelers' Oyster Bar, Birdies Eating House and the Crab and Winkle
restaurant.
Whitstable's vibrant contemporary arts scene has led to the growth of
colourful craft shops in the town. The Whitstable Museum and Gallery
has permanent and touring exhibitions, many reflecting the town's
seafaring traditions.
One of the most attractive circular leisure cycle routes in Kent, covering 32
miles (51.4km), taking in the coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
before heading inland through the surrounding villages.
Offering family friendly cycling on level, traffic free promenades and
broad sea walls, or along leisurely country lanes.
Divide the trail up into the manageable sections and you’ll find a variety
of fantastic days out. The route passes an array of popular attractions:
the Viking Ship 'Hugin' at Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate Maritime Museum,
Dickens House in Broadstairs, Turner Contemporary at Margate and St
Augustine's Cross marking the site where the first Mass is reported to
have been held in 597AD.
Along the route there are plenty of places to stop for a rest to enjoy a
drink or meal. If you are in Ramsgate look out for information on Active
Ramsgate.
The route is also known as the Regional Cycle Network 15 and well signed
throughout with the trail logo