Cycling Kent Coast, Sandwich, Margate, Ramsgate, Herne Bay, Whitstable

A weekend based in Sandwich offers one of the finest ways to see the Kent coast by bicycle. This route runs north along the sea wall through Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate and Herne Bay to Whitstable, then loops back inland through the country lanes around Canterbury. It is a follow-up to earlier rides in the county and covers some of the same ground, though this time the direction was reversed: anti-clockwise from Sandwich.

The essentials:

• Distance: 69 miles
• Start and finish: 8.45am, ride completed at 4.45pm
• Terrain: coast roads, paths, sea promenade and the Viking Coastal Trail, with country lanes near Canterbury

Where to stay

The New Inn in the centre of Sandwich makes an ideal base. It is a friendly pub with a lively evening crowd, and its location puts you straight onto the route. Evening meals were taken at the Fleur De Lis, a pub and hotel a short walk up the road, which is equally welcoming, with comfortable bar areas and a good choice of food.

The route

The ride heads north out of Sandwich and follows the coast through the Thanet towns before continuing west to Whitstable. Much of the north coast section runs alongside the sea wall, and riding with the waves crashing a few feet away is a distinctive experience for anyone more used to country lanes and ordinary road cycling. The return leg turns inland, through the lanes west and south of Canterbury, before heading back to Sandwich.

Into the wind

The first half of the day was ridden into a very strong headwind, which made for slow progress: an average of just 8–9mph over the first four hours. Along the exposed sea wall promenade, there was time to wonder quite how much stronger the wind would need to be to blow a rider off. Everyone made it through, and once the route turned away from Herne Bay conditions improved markedly. By the time the ride reached the country lanes west and south of Canterbury, it was very much easier going.

Country lanes and glorious Kent

After the wind and the occasionally harsh scenery of parts of the north Kent coast, the countryside near Canterbury and back towards Sandwich showed Kent at its best: picturesque villages, handsome houses and quiet roads.

Quiet in the main, though not without incident. One rider in the group was nearly involved in a serious accident when a car pulled out in front of him. With no time to stop fully, he collided with the side of the car, lessening the impact by turning his bike slightly. He escaped with bruises, but it could have been far worse. The driver was entirely at fault and failed to see the rider in his high-visibility yellow jacket.

The final two hours into Sandwich were quick, and the group was back by 4.45pm — plenty of time that evening for a beer or three.

Verdict

Sandwich is a good base for riding the Kent coast, whether heading north as on this trip or south towards Dover. The prevailing wind made it a tough day in the saddle, but the route is mostly flat and it was a great ride.