A SPECTACULAR ALTERNATIVE
There is no better way to explore the delights of this part of Kent than by bicycle. With its charming countryside and varied coastline, White Cliffs Country offers cyclists a refreshing and enriching experience.
Pedal along the stunning chalk cliffs of the North Downs, discover the unspoilt and surprisingly empty beaches or explore the quiet winding lanes and villages of this truly unique and beautiful countryside.
Cycle routes throughout the district help you explore leafy lanes and bridleways.
Enrich your senses as you take in open views, fresh sea air and contrasting countryside.
Guided Cycle Rides
Phone/Fax 01304 241806
Cycle Routes
Maps and general information are available from the Dover District Council and Kent County Council websites:
Cycle Hire
Deal Prams & Cycles, 30 Mill Hill - 01304 366080.
Excellent delivery & collection service to and from local railway stations. All sizes and type of bikes for hire, including tandems.
Atman Sandwich - bikes / wheelchairs for hire 01304 611621 ( near train station )
Cycle Repairs
Dubcycle, 199 London Road, Dover, Kent CT17 0TF 01304 331535 Email: dubcycle.co@live.co.uk
Deal - Curwins Cylcles, 194 High Street. 01304 365823
Sandwich - Locks, 28 King Street. 01304 617161
Take your bike on the train!
All South eastern trains carry a limited number of cycles FREE OF CHARGE, so why not use the train to bring you to the White Cliffs Countryside?
The Cliffs and Castles Route National Cycle Route 1 - From Dover to Deal
Come by sea or from the west into Dover, and the first thing you see is the magnificent White Cliffs. Spend some time savoring Dover's rich maritime history as the Gateway to England.
Well worth a visit:
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat - 01304 201066 - Dover Museum
However, before leaving Dover, you could take a dip in the sea followed by a trip to one of the many pubs, tea rooms and cafes nearby. Then choose from two well-signed routes from the seafront up the hill crowned by Dover Castle -either push your bike up a cliff-side path, or ride into the town centre - then up north of the castle. The two routes, both steep, meet up near the Langdon Cliffs.
Places to visit on the way:
St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe and St. Margaret's Bay. Go for refreshments in one of the teashops or pubs in the High Street. Take a detour to Dover Patrol Memorial and enjoy a cup of tea and cream bun in the old Coastguard lookout, now converted into a cafe with a magnificent view over the Channel to France or plunge down the hill to the spectacular bay nestling among the cliffs and visit the Pines Garden - 01304 852764 - Pine Gardens
The route to Kingsdown follows an off-road track across open downland with lovely views but it is unlit, so not to be recommended at night. At Kingsdown the route again leaves the road to follow a shared path next to the wide peaceful shingle beach, colonised by rare plants and with spectacular seashore views.
In Walmer, the path passes the Castle (home to the Duke Of Wellington) and Walmer Green, with the Lifeboat House (to rescue ships wrecked on the infamous Goodwin Sands), cafes and paddling pool - ride slowly and be especially careful of pedestrians along this stretch - Walmer Castle
The path reaches Deal near the spot where Julius Caesar landed in 55BC. At Deal Castle, the route rejoins the road at a busy point TAKE CARE- watch for traffic at junctions along the seafront road. Past the Timeball Tower is Deal Pier - park your bike and explore the town - Deal Kent
From Deal to Sandwich
Your cycle ride from Deal to Sandwich follows a quiet lane past world famous golf courses, through sand dunes and flat grassy fields where medieval monks drained the old marshlands. Look out for all the sea birds and the rare plants. Take Route 1 north from Deal Pier along Beach Street, then inland to cross marshlands drained by medieval monks, past golfers and sand dunes under huge Dutch skies. Look out for all the sea birds and rare plants; stop for a picnic on the beach or in the dunes.
Places on the way:
Sandwich Bay - wide sandy beach at low tide
The Bird Observatory - open all year 01304 617341
The Lure of Sandwich
Lock up your bikes on the quay, picnic by the riverside and saunter through the fascinating medieval streets of half timbered houses. Sandwich was once the greatest port and fourth largest town in England! Enjoy the shops, pubs and tearooms.
Worth a stop:
From Sandwich
For a spectacular alternative!
For more rugged views of the Channel from the famous White Cliffs - from Dover head towards Folkestone. Midway between Dover & Folkestone you can cut down to Samphire Hoe, a unique land mass jutting out into the English Channel created from the material dug during the building of the Channel Tunnel. It includes 2 miles of flat, traffic-free cycling, exceptionally brilliant blue sea plus of course, beautiful wildlife and scenery. Samphire Hoe can be reached via the A20.
