Cycling the Cantii Way

Tour dates: July 4th - July 6th, 2025

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Distance: 186km

Grading: Intermediate (see below)

Overview

This ride simply has it all! Expect natural forest paths, paved tracks through the countryside, designated paths hugging the Kent coastline. You are guaranteed to have a great trip with some great diverse cycling featuring traffic free routes with coastal, woodland and country trails along the famous Cantii Way. Join us for an amazing cycling adventure where you can either camp for 2 nights and enjoy 3 days riding or join us just for the one of the days! We will be exploring Kent's orchid region the 'garden of England', riding through the rich tapestry of farmland and quaint local villages as well as riding along the pebble shores of Hythe, Folkestone & Whitstable. It's a 2 night camping trip at one of Kent’s best eco campsites (Wealdings Campsite), which is next to impossible to get this time of year, but we've got you covered. It's another diverse trip to capture your sense of adventure in the deep Southeast of the UK.

Day 1 - Whitstable to Boughton Malherbe (42km)

The highlights start straight away as we commence riding from Whitstable (known for its fabulous oysters) and join the Crab and Winkle way - an 8km-long disused railway route, down into Canterbury. After sampling the architecture and waterways that run through Canterbury we head south along Sustrans route 1 into the Kent Downs with its stunning rolling hills, hop gardens and fruit-filled orchids. We stop at Chilham for lunch (included) with its traditional tutor architecture and castle in all its grandeur. At Wye we stop at the riverside ‘Tickled Trout’ pub for a beer, before continuing on up the steady climb over the Wye Downs to the campsite.

Day 2 - Boughton Malherbe to Dover (66km)

A varied ride through the Wye Downs to Bonnington before picking up Sustrans route 2 along the Royal Military Canal. From there you'll be able to smell the fresh sea breeze as we draw closer to Hythe where we ride along the picturesque coastline to Folkestone for our lunch stop. After lunch we cycle towards the famous and spectacular white cliff tops of Dover and Aycliffe. We take a little time to walk around and enjoy the view, and if the day is clear we will get a good view of France! After that we head back through local laneways and villages to the campsite where we freshen up ready for an evening BBQ (included)!

Day 3 - Boughton Malherbe to Whitstable (60km)

Day three starts off from the campsite and through back lanes that wind through the orchids that make this the fruit bowl of the nation. It’s a 40km cycle to Fordwich, where we connect with the Stour River via national cycle route 1. This is the largest river in the area and you will have the opportunity to experience the it first hand with the option of renting a stand up paddle board, canoe or kayak for an hours paddle. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, sit by the river and chill or head to Fordwich Arms Pub for a beverage in the beer garden. After you have finished getting the arms working with either paddle or pint (or both!) it’s time to hit the road again for our last stretch towards the coast to Herne Bay and then on to Whitstable.

Distance

168km (3 days cycling)

Highlights

- Venturing through the 'fruit bowl'
- Beautiful scenery of the Kent Downs
- Visit Chilham with its traditional tutor architecture and Castle
- Ride the peaceful Royal Military Canal on Sustrans route
- Visit the beautiful coastline from Hythe to Dungeness
- Spend an hour paddling on the beautiful Stour River

Grading

Intermediate Adventure 3/5. The ride is manageable for a semi-regular rider with medium fitness with some hilly sections to encounter.

Terrain and Elevation

The ride is 60% on paved back roads and 40% paved/gravel cycle trails with minimal “A” roads. Everyday has some challenging undulating sections.

Logistics

Riders will meet at Whitstable Station at 11am on Friday and finish the tour back at Whitstable Station at around 5pm on Sunday. If driving, you will need to park your car for the weekend at Whitstable. There is a Train Station Car Park as well as other street parking options close by. Tents, luggage and equipment will be transferred to and from Whitstable to the campsite.

Accommodation details

The camping is Wild Camping. No electricity. Eco-friendly long drop composting toilets and basic eco shower. Drinking water on site. Washing up on site and hand sanitation station. Campsite is the fantastic Wealdings Wild Camping.
If camping absolutely isn’t for you but you’d like to still attend, please contact us and we can discuss this option.

What to Bring?

Please ensure you have the right clothing for cycling and camping. Bring a bike, a small tent and sleeping bag (a must!), small fold-up camping mattress, clothes and toiletries for 3 days riding and 2 nights camping; cycle jacket, towel, sunglasses, gloves and suitable activity footwear/clothing, water bottle, money for extra food and refreshments and other purchases.