The best road cycling routes around Thanet

Thanet offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 90 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, including coastal paths and quiet country lanes, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The terrain in Thanet is diverse, featuring distinctive chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and numerous bays along the coastline. You'll find a mix of coastal paths and quiet country lanes. While there are gentle hills, most elevations remain under 200m, making the area accessible for various skill levels. Out of the 93 routes, 36 are rated as easy, 55 as moderate, and 2 as difficult.

Yes, Thanet is well-suited for family cycling, particularly along sections of the Viking Coastal Trail. Many parts of this trail are off-road and traffic-free, especially along promenades and sea walls, making them ideal for leisurely rides with children. An excellent option is the Margate and Broadstairs coastal loop, which is an easy 14.5 miles (23.3 km) route offering scenic views between two charming seaside towns.

Thanet's road cycling routes offer stunning views of its spectacular coastline, dramatic chalk cliffs, and beautiful bays. You can explore historical sites and natural wonders. Notable attractions include the distinctive chalk stacks at Kingsgate Bay and the Chalk Cliffs, the charming Viking Bay in Broadstairs, and the historic Reculver Towers, which are the imposing remains of a medieval church on a Roman fort site. The Reculver Sea Wall Coastal Path – Reculver Towers and Roman Fort loop from Margate is a great route to experience these historical landmarks.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Thanet, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the spectacular coastline, the diverse landscapes, and the charming towns and villages connected by the routes. The well-maintained infrastructure, particularly the Viking Coastal Trail, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

Yes, Thanet is home to several excellent circular road cycling routes. The most prominent is The Viking Coastal Trail, a 31.2-mile (50.2 km) circular route that hugs the coastline, connecting Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate. Other circular options include the Richborough Castle loop from Ramsgate and the Margate and Broadstairs coastal loop.

Thanet is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. The coastal routes are particularly pleasant in sunny weather, offering breathtaking sea views. While the region experiences mild winters, the best times are generally spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is more predictable and the coastal scenery is at its most vibrant.

Absolutely. Many routes in Thanet connect its vibrant seaside towns and picturesque villages, offering plenty of opportunities for refreshment. The Viking Coastal Trail, for instance, passes through Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate, each with unique attractions, cafes, and pubs. Inland, you can find charming Kentish villages like Minster-in-Thanet and St Nicholas at Wade.

The road cycling routes in Thanet vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Margate and Broadstairs coastal loop at 14.5 miles (23.3 km), or longer, more challenging rides such as the Reculver Sea Wall Coastal Path – Reculver Towers and Roman Fort loop from Dumpton Park, which extends to 82 km.

Yes, Thanet is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to access many of its road cycling routes. The main towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate have train stations with connections to London and other parts of Kent. Local bus services also operate across the district, allowing you to reach various starting points for your rides. For more detailed information on public transport options, you might consult local transport websites.

While many routes in Thanet are easy to moderate, there are options for more advanced cyclists seeking a challenge. For example, the Dover and Walmer Castle loop using the Skylark Trail is a moderate 62.7 km route with over 330m of elevation gain, offering a longer and more demanding ride. The Reculver Sea Wall Coastal Path – Reculver Towers and Roman Fort loop from Dumpton Park is also a longer moderate route at 82 km with nearly 500m of ascent.

Parking is generally available in the main towns and villages across Thanet, providing convenient access to the cycling routes. Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate all have various car parks, many of which are close to the coastal paths and the Viking Coastal Trail. When planning your ride, it's advisable to check local council websites for specific car park locations and any associated fees.