insideKENT Magazine Issue 38 - May 2015 | Page 99

© Visit Kent

© Visit Kent

© Explore Kent

sandwich to rye
Seasoned cyclists will find plenty to charm and
challenge them on this incredible route through
smugglers’ country.
This area is long associated with the Russell
Thorndike’s famous Doctor Syn novels – tales of
a swashbuckling smuggler known for wearing a
scarecrow disguise – and takes in quaint fishing
towns, artists' hot spots and coastal splendour.
A whopping 56-mile long trail, fit and experienced
cyclists could cover the entire route in a day but
there are good rail links along the coast making
it very easy to tackle in stages.
Start at the beautiful town of Sandwich, a feast
of medieval architecture and some of the bestpreserved half-timbered houses in England. The
Secret Gardens of Sandwich also provide
fragrance, tranquillity, a Lutyens house and
Gertrude Jekyll design. Then head down to Deal,
a delightfully arty seaside town recently voted as
having the best high street in the country.

For more ideas on what to do in and
around Kent, visit www.visitkent.co.uk.

For a relatively gentle day out, the nine-mile
section from Deal to Dover along a stunningly
scenic coastal cliff path, is perfect. A trip to the
clifftop Dover Castle is a must!
From Dover, head seven miles towards Folkestone
on the Chalk and Channel Way for rugged views
from the famous White Cliffs. But be prepared
for steep climbs as the route drops back to sea
level (and some on-road cycling) at both Dover
and Folkestone.
From Folkestone the journey becomes flatter as
you pass the beautiful Lower Leas Coastal Park
and follow the seawall, which is almost totally
traffic-free for six miles. The path leads you to
the Royal Military Canal at Hythe. From Hythe,
National Route 2 moves a few miles inland taking
lanes through the picturesque villages of Romney
Marsh, including Burmarsh and Old Romney.
After passing the historic town of Lydd, it’s back
onto a traffic-free cycle path following most of
the way to the Sussex border and taking in the
beautiful shoreline.

MUST SEE
• Secret Gardens of Sandwich
• Deal High Street
• Dover Castle
• Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone
• Royal Military Canal Hythe
• Dungeness beach
WHERE TO STAY
The Bell Hotel, Sandwich –
www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk
The Royal Hotel, Deal – www.theroyalhotel.com
The Marquis at Alkham –
www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk
Ramada Dover –
www.ramada.co.uk/hotels/unitedkingdom/dover/ramada-dover/hotel-overview
Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa –
www.mercurehytheimperial.co.uk

Extra detailed cycle and walking routes are available at www.explorekent.org.

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