The best cycling routes around Bonnington

Touring cycling routes in Bonnington, Kent, are predominantly low-lying, with much of the terrain north of the Royal Military Canal situated between 10 to 100 feet above sea level. The area includes parts of the Romney Marsh and is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering tranquil, rural exploration opportunities. You can expect gentle rides through scenic landscapes.

There are over 180 touring cycling routes available around Bonnington, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 77 easy routes, 89 moderate routes, and 18 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Yes, Bonnington offers many easy touring cycling routes. For a gentle ride with coastal views, consider the Dungeness Old Lighthouse – Dymchurch Sea Wall loop from Dymchurch, an easy 21.2-mile (34.2 km) trail. Another easy option is the Lympne Hill – Unit Number One loop from Lympne, which is 7.5 miles (12.1 km) and features gentle climbs through village surroundings.

The terrain in Bonnington is largely flat and low-lying, especially around the Royal Military Canal and Romney Marsh. While most routes are gentle, some, like the Dymchurch Sea Wall – St Mary in the Marsh Church loop from Mersham, may include rural landscapes and marshland paths. The region's designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ensures scenic views throughout your ride.

Yes, many routes in Bonnington are designed as loops, offering convenient circular tours. Examples include the Dungeness Old Lighthouse – Dymchurch Sea Wall loop from Dymchurch and the Lympne Hill – Unit Number One loop from Lympne, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Along the routes, you can explore various points of interest. Highlights include the Gravel Path Along Royal Military Canal, the historic St Nicholas Church, New Romney, and the scenic Dymchurch Sea Wall. The area is also rich in natural beauty, being part of the Old Romney Shoreline Special Landscape Area.

Yes, you can find places to stop for refreshments. For example, The Star Inn offers a pub experience, and Mulberry Coffee is a great spot for a cafe break. These are often located conveniently near popular cycling paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 190 reviews. Touring cyclists often praise the tranquil, rural exploration opportunities, the scenic views of the Romney Marsh, and the well-maintained paths along the Royal Military Canal and Dymchurch Sea Wall.

For those seeking longer rides, the St Mary in the Marsh Church – Dymchurch Sea Wall loop from Ham Street covers 30.7 miles (49.5 km) and offers a moderate challenge through marshland and rural landscapes. Another option is the Dymchurch Sea Wall – St Mary in the Marsh Church loop from Mersham, which is 28.9 miles (46.5 km).

Beyond the routes themselves, you can discover several natural attractions and viewpoints. These include the View of Devil's Kneading Trough, the serene Ham Street Woods Nature Reserve, and various scenic spots like the View of the Valley, Kent Downs National Landscape, and the View of the English Channel from Kent Downs.

Given its predominantly low-lying and gentle terrain, Bonnington is well-suited for family cycling trips. Many easy routes, such as the Lympne Hill – Unit 1 Riverside Bar & Kitchen loop from Folkestone and Hythe District, are ideal for families looking for a relaxed ride through scenic countryside and along the coast.