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Summary:
A weekend by the Coast! Over 40 miles of seaside riding around the beaches of East Kent. Staying next to the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate, you’ll see the old world charms of Sandwich and Broadstairs, the ‘Kiss me quick’ delights of Margate, and the quaint seaside resort of Deal. The routes take in all of the ‘Viking Coastal trail’, resulting in a lot of traffic free cycling.
Distances: 27 miles Saturday & 25 miles Sunday
Terrain: Mainly flat.
Path/Road: The route is evenly split between traffic free cycle path, and quiet roads. All bikes are suitable.
Physical difficulty: Moderate Saturday and Sunday. Cycling at a manageable pace for 3 hours Saturday & 3 hours Sunday. Everyone will be assisted if needed but you must be competent on a bike.
Duration: Friday night to Sunday evening.
Accommodation: Staying in a 3* hotel near Ramsgate harbour.
Cost: £200pp, based on 2 people sharing a twin room (£50 single supplement).
Itinerary:
Friday:
Check in to the hotel and head to a nearby pub for meet, greet and socialise.
Saturday:
Today you’ll be cycling the Viking Trail, a 27 mile loop past 7 beaches and adjoining countryside.
After breakfast saddle up and head down to Ramsgate harbour, the only Royal harbour in the country. See the beach that was once a favourite of Queen Victoria’s, which helped popularise bathing.
Reaching Broadstairs with its stunning Viking Bay beach, you can’t miss Bleak House, where Charles Dickens stayed and was the inspiration behind his novel of the same name.
Past the golden sands and up along the cliff top you’ll see North Foreland lighthouse, and sea views across to France.
Continuing round the coast you’ll arrive in Margate. Explore the regenerated Old Town, the Turner Contemporary Gallery, or the harbour side shops.
Setting off along the Promenade, pass numerous beach huts and bays before reaching Minnis Bay. Here we’ll stop for lunch, and a chance to sample some classic seaside favourites!
Then we’ll cut inland through quiet country villages. The route heads south and eventually joins up with the coast again. The next stop is the Viking Ship at Pegwell Bay, an iconic replica of the longboats rowed to Britain during the invasion of 449AD.
A couple more miles of promenade riding and you’ll arrive back at the hotel.
Sunday:
Heading South today, straight down the Coast to Deal. We’ll start with taking a closer look at the harbour, cycling across the harbour walls next to the boats.
Uninterrupted cycle paths takes us all the way along through the Pegwell Bay nature reserve, then Richborough, and on to the historic town of Sandwich. This perfectly preserved town has many medieval buildings, listed public houses and old town walls. Plus, by way of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, it was responsible for naming perhaps the greatest of British inventions! It would only seem fitting to stop here for elevenses.
Sandwich is built on the river Stour, and the river path will take us past 2 world-class golf courses: Royal St George’s and Prince’s. Royal St George’s is often host to The British Open, and is a glorious sight next to the sea.
Next stop down is Deal. This former fishing and garrison town was once the busiest port in England. It’s long and attractive sea front, scattered with eateries, is where we’ll refuel. Maybe on the pier café, maybe in the beach front pub, decisions decisions.
The flat cycle trail stops as the cliff rises to Walmer and Kingsdown golf club. Here we’ll double back and take the train back to Ramsgate. After a short ride back to the hotel we’ll say our goodbyes. Until next time!
Bike hire:
We can arrange for the weekend –
£30 standard bike.
£80 eBike.
Included:
2 nights accommodation.
2 Continental breakfasts.
1 dinner at a local restaurant.
1 train ticket from Deal to Ramsgate.
2 days fully guided cycling.
Basic tool kit carried to undertake minor repairs.
Accident insurance cover.
Trained first aider.
Refund policy:
Contact us to cancel 2 weeks before event 100% refund, 1 week 50%, 2 days 25%, < 2 days 0%.