Best Cycling Routes in Kent 2026: Road, Gravel & E-Bike Friendly

Kent is cycling paradise. Rolling hills, quiet lanes, coastal paths, and enough variety to keep any rider happy year-round. Here are our favourite routes, all tested on e-bikes and regular bikes.

1. The Crab & Winkle Way (Canterbury to Whitstable)

Distance: 7 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Surface: Tarmac/path

A flat, traffic-free path from Canterbury West station to Whitstable harbour. Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone wanting a stress-free ride ending with fish and chips.

E-bike bonus: You won't need assist on the flat, but it's there for the gentle hill leaving Canterbury.

2. North Downs Way (Canterbury Section)

Distance: 15-25 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Surface: Mixed (gravel/chalk/tarmac)

The North Downs Way passes right through Canterbury. Head east towards Dover for chalky trails with stunning views over the Channel, or west towards Maidstone for woodland singletrack.

E-bike bonus: The climbs out of valleys are punchy. An e-MTB makes this accessible to average fitness riders.

3. Canterbury to Sandwich (Viking Coastal Trail)

Distance: 18 miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Surface: Tarmac/path

Mostly flat route through the Stour Valley to the medieval town of Sandwich. Quiet lanes and designated cycle paths. Return via a slightly different route for a 35-mile loop.

E-bike bonus: The headwind on the coast can be brutal. An e-bike makes the return leg painless.

4. Blean Woods Circuit

Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Surface: Forest tracks/gravel

Ancient woodland north of Canterbury. Mix of wide forest tracks and narrower paths. Good all year except the muddiest weeks in January.

E-bike bonus: Perfect for e-MTBs. The short steep sections benefit from assist, and the flat woodland tracks are pure fun.

5. Elham Valley (Canterbury to Folkestone)

Distance: 20 miles | Difficulty: Challenging | Surface: Road

Classic Kent sportive route through the Elham Valley. Rolling hills with several proper climbs. Quiet lanes through picture-postcard villages.

E-bike bonus: The climbs (particularly Stone Street) are genuine tests. An e-road bike like the Creo levels the playing field.

6. Whitstable to Herne Bay Coastal Path

Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Surface: Promenade/path

Short, flat, scenic. Perfect for a morning spin or evening cruise. Views across the Thames Estuary on clear days.

7. Chartham to Chilham Loop

Distance: 10 miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Surface: Road/lane

Gentle loop through the Stour Valley with a stop at Chilham (one of Kent's prettiest villages). Tea rooms, a castle, and minimal traffic.

Planning Tips

• Wind: Coastal routes are exposed. Check forecasts and plan direction accordingly.
• Surfaces: Chalk paths in Kent become slippery in wet weather. Factor this in.
• Train links: Canterbury has excellent rail connections. Bike-on-train is easy with Southeastern.
• Refreshments: Kent has no shortage of pubs, cafes, and tea rooms on every route.

Local Resources

• Kent County Council cycling maps (free online)
• Sustrans NCN routes through Kent
• OS Explorer maps 149, 150, 179 (cover Canterbury area)
• Komoot (excellent for route planning with surface info)

Visit us at St George Lane, Canterbury for expert advice on e-bikes suitable for Kent's terrain.