Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path
Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path
Highlight • Cykelsti
Cykling
4.8
(27)
Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path is a well-regarded cycleway and trail located on the south-eastern edge of Great Crabbles Wood in Shorne, Kent, England. This 27-acre area features a mix of meadows and woodland, known for its historical orchard remnants and rich biodiversity. It sits at an elevation of approximately 101 metres, offering a pleasant rural escape within the Kent Downs National Landscape, bordered by Crutches Lane and Bowesden Lane.
Cyclists particularly appreciate the Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path for its excellent…
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31. maj 2021
Cykling
14. februar 2025
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Bedste ruter nær Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path
3,0
(2)
26
Cyklister
25,1km
01:36
260m
260m
Middel cykeltur. Kræver god kondition. For det meste belagte overflader. Egnet for alle færdighedsniveauer.
17
Cyklister
172km
10:21
1.150m
1.150m
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5,0
(1)
16
Cyklister
53,9km
03:19
500m
500m
Svær cykeltur. Kræver meget god kondition. For det meste belagte overflader. Egnet for alle færdighedsniveauer.
Detaljer
Oplysninger
Højdemeter 100 m
Vejr
Drevet af Foreca
I dag
søndag 22. marts
12°C
2°C
0 %
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Maks. vindhastighed: 9,0 km/h
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The path is primarily a well-surfaced cycleway, making it suitable for various types of bikes. While generally easy, it features only a couple of short, manageable climbs. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 101 meters, offering a relatively flat and comfortable experience for most cyclists and walkers.
Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path itself is a permissive footpath and bridleway, often used as a pleasant shortcut. While it doesn't form a long loop on its own, it can be easily integrated into longer cycling or walking routes by connecting with Footpath NS321 to the north or other local lanes like Crutches Lane and Bowesden Lane, allowing for custom loops through the surrounding Kent countryside.
Yes, Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path is highly suitable for beginners and those with limited cycling experience. Its well-maintained, mostly paved surfaces and gentle elevation changes mean it's accessible for a wide range of abilities. Cyclists describe it as a comfortable experience with only a couple of short, easy climbs.
Crabbles Bottom is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can often spot various wildflowers, and the area is particularly noted for rare species of butterflies and insects. The adjacent Great Crabbles Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is home to scarce flora like lady, man, and bird's nest orchids, white helleborine, and wild liquorice, suggesting a rich natural environment.
The path itself winds through remnants of its original orchard and past two inset meadows, offering scenic views of the rural landscape. The surrounding Great Crabbles Wood provides a beautiful backdrop of mixed coppice, with sweet chestnut and oak standards. The opportunity to pick apples in September is a unique natural feature.
While specific parking lots are not detailed, the path is bordered by Crutches Lane to the east and the non-vehicular part of Bowesden Lane to the west. Visitors typically find parking along these local lanes or in nearby Shorne. For public transport, local bus services may connect to Shorne, but checking specific routes and stops is recommended.
Given its description as a 'well-surfaced cycleway' and 'mostly paved surfaces,' Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path is likely to be accessible for robust wheelchairs and pushchairs. The gentle terrain and lack of significant climbs further support its suitability for these users, though some sections might be unpaved permissive paths.
The path is generally suitable for year-round use. In autumn, September offers the unique opportunity to pick apples from the orchard. During winter, while the path remains accessible, conditions may vary. It's always advisable to check local weather forecasts for ice or heavy rain, which could affect the path's surface, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
The area around Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path, particularly in nearby Shorne, offers various amenities. Cyclists have noted that there are 'plenty of coffee/pub stops if necessary' in the vicinity. For accommodation, local villages and towns in the Kent Downs National Landscape would provide options, ranging from guesthouses to hotels.
Historically, Crabbles Bottom was part of the Darnley Estate and later Crutches Farm, with much of the land dedicated to apple orchards until 1995. The area still contains remnants of its original orchard. In 2009, the land was transferred to Shorne Parish Council and renamed 'Crabbles Bottom,' preserving its natural and historical character.
Yes, visitors are permitted to pick apples from the orchard during September. This is a unique and popular activity that adds to the charm of visiting Crabbles Bottom Orchard Path during the autumn months.