insideKENT Magazine Issue 38 - May 2015 | Page 97

DAYSOUT

pedal power

BY VISIT KENT,
IN CONJUNCTION WITH EXPLORE KENT

There's no better way to explore Kent than on a bicycle; this season, discover
charming countryside and quaint villages, pass alongside hop fields, orchards
and distinctive oast houses or travel along one of the most famous coastlines
in the country – the choice is yours.
viking coastal trail
© Explore Kent

Chase sunsets and drink in striking coastal scenes
on one of the most beautiful cycle routes in the
county. Whether you are an experienced cyclist
or a novice, you will find plenty to enjoy along
the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle
of Thanet.

© Explore Kent

Nature lovers can take a short detour to the 16acre Monkton Nature Reserve, an important
resource for the protection of wild flowers,
including rare orchids, or head straight on to
Ramsgate, the UK’s only royal harbour.

Along the seawall, you will find plenty of diversions,
with slopes and steps to the cliff tops and popular
beaches and rock pools. Minnis Bay is popular
with swimmers, as well as sailors, windsurfers
and sea canoeists.

Next, head to the seaside resort of Broadstairs.
Less ambitious cyclists can skip the inland routes
and pick up the trail here, but make sure you pay
a visit to the town’s beautiful sandy beach and
wander the winding streets as Charles Dickens
once did. Arrive in August and the sight of
thousands of music lovers will greet you, as they
take over the town for the famous Broadstairs
Folk Week. The almost traffic-free route from
Broadstairs to Margate boasts spectacular
scenery, including Botany Bay with its chalk
stacks and the surfers of Joss Bay.

From here, the scenery changes with striking
views of the flat marshland as you approach the
twin towers of Reculver Church, a few miles east
of Herne Bay, and your final destination.

As you arrive in Margate, marvel at the new Turner
Contemporary art gallery overlooking Margate
Harbour. This famous seaside resort is now a
haven for artists and chic independent businesses,
so grab a bite to eat in the Old Town or enjoy an
extra special afternoon tea in The Sands Hotel
and watch the sunset over the beach below.

Starting inland at St. Nicolas at Wade, start with
a gentle roll through pretty Kentish villages towards
the coast, passing ancient churches such as St.
Nicholas at Wade and Minster Abbey, one of
England’s oldest inhabited buildings founded in
670 AD.

Pay a visit to St. Augustine’s Abbey while in town,
or enjoy the scenery at one of the many cafés
overlooking the harbour and marina. The Royal
Harbour Brasserie cannot be beaten for food
with a view…

WHERE TO STAY

From Margate, pick up the route again opposite
the train station and follow the sea wall to Reculver
via Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington, Kent’s
largest village and home of the wonderful Quex
Park and Powell-Cotton Museum – a must for
families.

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MUST SEE
• Ramsgate Royal Harbour
• Viking Bay, Broadstairs
• Botany Bay, Margate
• Turner Contemporary, Margate
• Quex Park, Birchington
• Reculver Towers

Albion House Hotel, Ramsgate –
www.albionhouseramsgate.co.uk
The Sands Hotel, Margate –
www.sandshotelmargate.co.uk
Two Chimneys Camping & Caravan Park –
www.visitthanet.co.uk/accommodation/9637/?
key=two-chimneys-caravanparkµsiteid=210