Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
The best traffic-free bike rides in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
4.8
(29)
122
riders
11
rides
No traffic gravel bike trails in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve traverse one of England's largest ancient woodlands, characterized by extensive networks of dirt and wide gravel tracks. The terrain is generally low-lying with gentle ascents and descents, making it accessible for various fitness levels. This landscape features ancient oak and beech woodlands, interspersed with open glades and areas of heathland, providing diverse habitats for exploration.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
- The most…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.5
(4)
23
riders
34.4km
01:54
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(8)
26
riders
39.6km
02:17
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
9
riders
58.5km
03:44
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.6
(5)
24
riders
15.3km
00:49
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
10
riders
32.9km
01:45
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
Tips from the Community
Lovely stretch of dead straight gravel. I've yet to see any of the bison!
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St. Martin's is the oldest church in the English-speaking world and is referred to as the mother church of Canterbury Cathedral. The chancel is the oldest part of the church, with Roman brickwork, and may therefore date from the Roman era or have been built in the mid-6th century from salvaged bricks. The church was gifted in the late 6th century by the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent to his French bride Bertha, who was a Christian, as a place of worship. In 595, Pope Gregory sent Augustine and a group of monks to evangelize the population of England. Upon Augustine's arrival in 597, Ethelbert allowed them to worship in St. Martin's. Soon after, Ethelbert was baptized a Christian here by Augustine. Augustine established his mission at St. Martin's before founding the first St. Augustine's Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral.
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Well worth the minor detour off the surrounding cycle routes to see the picturesque square, with views of the Castle, plus the excellent White Horse pub and an excellent tearoom.
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Nice views but pick your days - summer is too busy with bathers and dog walkers, nice when its quiet though
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Very Easy ride although some bits are a bit bumpy but mostly excellent surface, pick schooldays and early morning to avoid too many dog walkers. Can get a bit breezy though!
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Penny Farthing artwork by Mark Fuller from 2000 on the Crab & Winkle Way. This is a 7.6-mile cycle route on a former railway line between Canterbury and the port of Whitstable. More information on the Sustrans website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/crab-and-winkle-way/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic gravel bike trails are available in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve?
There are over 10 dedicated no traffic gravel bike trails in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are designed to provide a peaceful cycling experience away from busy roads.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Blean Woods?
The terrain in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve is generally low-lying with gentle ascents and descents, making it accessible for various fitness levels. You'll primarily encounter dirt or wide gravel tracks and unsurfaced paths, ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, or hybrids.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no traffic gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, Blean Woods offers several easy routes perfect for families. For a gentle ride, consider the Crab and Winkle Way – Crab and Winkle Way Signpost loop from University of Kent, which is just over 10 km long with minimal elevation gain. Another easy option is the Crab and Winkle Way – Crab and Winkle Way loop from Whitstable, covering about 15 km.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about cycling in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve?
The komoot community highly rates the no traffic gravel bike trails in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free environment, the beauty of the ancient woodlands, and the well-maintained gravel tracks that make for an enjoyable ride.
Can I see any interesting natural features or wildlife while gravel biking in Blean Woods?
Absolutely! Blean Woods is one of England's largest ancient woodlands, characterized by oak and beech trees, diverse habitats, and open glades. It's nationally important for its wildlife, including the rare Heath Fritillary Butterfly, nightingales, and various woodpeckers. Keep an eye out for hazel dormice, damselflies, and dragonflies, especially in summer.
Are there any longer or more challenging no traffic gravel bike routes?
For those seeking a longer or more challenging ride, the Lyminge Forest – View from Wye Downs loop from Canterbury West is a difficult route spanning over 58 km with significant elevation changes. Another moderate option is the Westgate Towers – Chilham Square loop from Canterbury West, which is nearly 40 km long.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Blean Woods?
Blean Woods offers a great experience year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures. Spring brings out wildflowers and bird song, while autumn showcases stunning colours. Summer is excellent for wildlife spotting, including butterflies and dragonflies. Winter rides can be crisp and quiet, but be prepared for potentially muddier conditions on some unsurfaced paths.
Are there any circular no traffic gravel bike routes in Blean Woods?
Yes, many of the routes in Blean Woods National Nature Reserve are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Crab and Winkle Way – View of the North Sea loop from University of Kent offers a moderate circular ride of over 34 km.
Is parking available for accessing the gravel bike trails?
While specific parking locations for each route vary, Blean Woods National Nature Reserve has several designated car parks that provide access to its extensive trail network. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen komoot tour for the most convenient parking options.
Can I combine gravel biking with other activities or explore nearby areas?
Yes, Blean Woods is well-connected. The Crab and Winkle Way, a dedicated cycle route, offers a mostly traffic-free experience and connects to parts of Blean Woods, leading towards Whitstable. You can also explore various waymarked trails for walking, such as the 25-mile Big Blean Walk or the Wildart Trail in Thornden Wood, which uses natural materials to highlight features of the native woods.
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