insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 102

DAYSOUT pedal power DISCOVER KENT BY BICYCLE There is no better way to get out and about and explore Kent than on a bicycle, whereby you can discover charming countryside and quaint villages, while passing alongside hop fields, orchards and distinctive oast houses. Alternatively, travel along one of the most famous coastlines in the country with its dramatic and varied scenery, from spectacular cliff tops to open marshes. For those of you who enjoy country lanes, charming Kentish countryside and exciting places to stop, take on the Wealden Cycle Trail that runs from Royal Tunbridge Wells through to Ashford. This undulating route is an ideal way to discover the quintessential scenery of the Garden of England. If the weather begins to turn, why not plan a shorter route and take in some of the sights around the trail, such as Sissinghurst Castle and Biddenden Vineyards? Great traffic-free sections combined with top spots for stopping and simply admiring the view all help to make this means of exercise that little bit easier. Much more than a traditional country pub, The Three Chimneys Inn at Biddenden provides the perfect pit-stop to relax and warm up by the cosy log fire, complete with hanging hops and oak beams. Further up the trail, the National Pinetum at Bedgebury offers a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a traffic-free country cycle. The 2000-acre forest offers miles of family cycling, mountain biking, riding and walking. Just outside the Pinetum, in nearby Cranbrook, achy legs can take a well-earned rest at The George Hotel and Brasserie. With its rich history (dating back to Queen Elizabeth I) and warm welcome, you can rejuvenate with a fine selection of local food and ales from Shepherd Neame. For those who love to take in the fresh sea air on a crisp day, head over to Crab and Winkle Way, a 12-kilometre route that runs direct from 102 Canterbury to the charming seaside village of Whitstable. Along the way, you will travel through the delightful village of Blean, with its acres of ancient woodland and RSPB nature reserve, dotted with the early signs of spring. The route gradually descends towards the sea, whereby you can stop at the beautiful Marine Hotel, offering fresh seafood and dramatic views across the bay – the perfect spot to warm up and restore your energy before heading back out on your bike. With plenty of off-road and traffic-free cycling options available across the county, as well as a whole host of attractions and accommodation conveniently dotted along the routes, Kent really is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-spring cycling break. So ditch that car, dust off your bike and head for the open road. It’s amazing what you’ll discover on two wheels…