Cantii Way — A lap of the Garden of England

Taking its name from the Celtic tribe that inhabited the area during the Iron Age, the the Cantii Way combines quirky coastal towns and dramatic chalk cliffs with the rolling hills of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The 234-kilometre (145-mile) circular route uses traffic-free cycle paths, bridleways and quiet roads, and is ideal for touring and hybrid bikes. It’s perfect for a leisurely trip with lots to discover along the way – from remnants of military defences to vibrant art trails and eco-friendly farms.

The ‘Garden of England’ is also a haven for food and drink connoisseurs, with a wealth of local produce to sample, fresh seafood, vineyards galore and the pointed white tops of hop-drying oast houses peeking through the trees. Make the most of it by stopping off at our accredited Cycle Friendly Places to rest and refresh along your journey. See them on the map at experience.cyclinguk.org/kent.

Parts of the trail use the North Downs Way riders’ route, which Cycling UK first proposed in 2018 and is now working with the Kent Downs AONB to develop as an official alternative route for the North Downs Way National Trail through Kent (see komoot.com/collection/914765). The overlap between the two trails provides various options to extend or shorten your journey, and come back for more another time.

Most of the route is on tarmac or concrete surfaces. There are also a number of gravel, grass and dirt trails along the way. Low-profile tyres are recommended, but in poor conditions we would recommend a little more tread, especially if using narrow tyres; or you may wish to use road alternatives to the dirt trails.

To download the full up-to-date route guide, including sights along the way, places to stay and more info on the background to the route please head to cyclinguk.org/cantii-way.