9 ‘Worth the Pedal’ Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in Kent

Kent offers fantastic places for families to cycle and enjoy a day out. The county is packed with kid-friendly trails, quiet lanes, and big-ticket sightseeing and coastal riding paths. With easy access, thanks to a good rail network, you can start planning your Kent cycle routes using our guide and prepare for your next family bike ride!

Tarmac Cycling Paths in Kent

Tarmac cycling means riding on paved roads, which the county of Kent offers, coupled with beautiful scenery along the way. The well-kept roads make for a comfortable and easy ride that your little ones will enjoy on their hybrid bikes. Below are some of the best cycle routes ideal for tarmac cycling.

1. Crab and Winkle Way

 

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The Crab and Winkle Way is a scenic 7.6-mile cycling ride that links the cathedral city of Canterbury with the harbour in Whitstable. Starting from Harbledown, the route is mostly traffic-free and follows the old railway line from the Winding Pond (a great picnic spot) to the outskirts of Whitstable.

Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient woodland and enjoy nice views. But there’s more — you’ll be rewarded with fine views from the highest point of the ride, where you can see over Whitstable. Tip: When you reach Whitstable, try local seafood and take a walk along the seafront with your kids.

2. Heron Cycle Trail

The 16.5-mile Heron Cycle Trail is a loop around the Hoo Peninsula, known for its literary connections — Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities here. You can also take in the rich maritime heritage and a wide variety of bird life.

Starting from Lower Higham, the route takes you across fields to Beacon Hill. You can detour to visit Upnor Castle by the River Medway. Continue through Hoo St Werburgh to High Halstow, near the RSPB Northward Hill Reserve. From there, head past Cooling Castle (which is privately owned) and on to Cliffe. You can stop at a pub for refreshments or visit the RSPB Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve to watch the birds.

As you return to Lower Higham, you’ll pass Buckland Lake Reserve. Tip: The trail is long but can be split into shorter sections. You’ll find many places along the route to stop for a drink or lunch, so give yourself and the rest of your crew a breather before continuing.

3. Cyclopark

 

(Image Credit: Geograph UK)

Cyclopark is a great spot for family outdoor activities during the summer. Take a break from your commuter bike’s usual pedalling routine and swap it for go-karts, mountain bikes, or BMX bikes.

This leading multi-sports centre in Kent caters has something for every type of cyclist. There’s a 2.9km tarmac course for road bikes, a 330-metre track for BMX bikes, and 6 kilometres of trails for mountain biking. The 6-metre-wide tarmac circuit is also ideal for races.

Plus, the park has plenty of play equipment for younger kids while other family members enjoy biking. Or you can stay together, and your children will have a great time on their kids’ bikes. You can rent bikes and grab a hot or cold drink and food at the Cyclocafe.

For more information, visit cyclopark.com.

Forest Track Bike Routes in Kent

Kent is home to some beautiful forest tracks that you won’t want to just pass by. These routes lead you through wooded areas, giving you a refreshing change from urban cycling. Immerse yourself in nature, see wildlife, and enjoy the fresh air of the following cycle routes:

4. Bedgebury Cycle Tracks

 

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Embrace nature in the 2,000-acre forest of Bedgebury Pinetum. The 5.6-mile (9-km) family cycle track has a gentle gradient with some steeper inclines. Along the way, everyone can enjoy the forest’s impressive trees and wildflowers and some of Britain’s rare wildlife.

For a shorter ride, the 2.8-mile (4.5-km) loop is perfect for younger children or less experienced cyclists. For a more adventurous ride, try the 8-mile (13-km) mountain biking route. Expect challenging climbs, tricky descents, berms, drop-offs, and large rocks throughout the trail.

Visit Explore Kent for more information.

5. Perry Woods Cycle Trail

No matter the season, you'll appreciate this 10.3-mile (16.5 km) trail through a remote rural area. Take in the scenery, which includes views from Sandwich and Wye Downs to the Isle of Sheppey and the Swale. There are shaded spots to park both kids’ and adults’ bikes, and you can take your camera from your double pannier to capture the sights.

You can ride or walk through areas like ‘The Pulpit’ and ‘The Bandstand’ (near the main car park), which offer picnic areas and easy-access trails. Visit Windmill Hill, where you might find remnants of an old earthwork, possibly Roman. The Rose & Crown pub offers a good place to rest in the middle of the woods.

Note: Cycling and horse riding are allowed on the bridleways in Perry Woods. However, there is no designated area for mountain biking at this site.

Visit Perry Wood for more site info and maps.

6. Lyminge Forest

 

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Cycle through Lyminge Forest to explore one of Kent's largest woodlands. Start your ride from National Cycle Route 17, which runs through Lyminge Parish. Within the parish, you can find various forest trails, from a 2.5-mile route around West Woods to the longer 8-mile Purple Ride.

There are five new cycle routes of different lengths around the site, and two walking paths take you through areas of bluebells in the spring. The Elham Valley Ride connects Lyminge Forest with the villages of Lyminge and Elham.

Tip: If you’re driving to the forest, park at the Forestry Commission car park.

Riverside Bike Routes in Kent

Explore the county’s scenic waterways by cycling along rivers, canals, and coastal paths. The routes offer a range of options to suit different skill levels and interests. Here are some of our favourite kid-friendly bike routes in Kent for your next beach bike ride:

7. Hythe and the Royal Military Canal

 

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The Royal Military Canal is a historic 28-mile stretch running from Hythe to Cliff End along the old cliff line bordering Romney Marsh. The long-distance path is well-marked and features interpretive panels. Meanwhile, the recent £3.5m restoration of the 7km section from Seabrook to West Hythe Dam has made it an easy and relaxing route for walkers, cyclists, and people with disabilities. It also includes bridle paths for horse riding.

Bonus: there are picnic tables and benches along the canal, and both ends have free car parks with panels explaining the local wildlife, including some rare species.

8. Viking Coastal Trail

 

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You can explore a lot along the 32-mile (51.4 km) Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet, which stays as close to the coast as possible. The route includes an inland loop on quiet lanes, passing through charming Kentish villages and historic sites like St. Nicholas at Wade and Minster Abbey, one of England’s oldest inhabited buildings, founded in 670 AD. A short detour takes you to the 16-acre Monkton Nature Reserve, known for its rare orchids and wildflowers.

In Ramsgate, you can visit the Victorian St. Augustine’s Abbey or relax at one of the many cafes overlooking the harbour and marina. As you continue from Ramsgate to Broadstairs, you’ll ride through King George VI Memorial Park, home to the 19th-century Italianate Glasshouse set within scenic parkland.

For more information about attractions, accommodation, and events, visit the Thanet Tourism Website.

9. Reculver Towers

 

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The trail from Reculver Towers to Margate covers 9 miles of mostly easy cycling with few steep hills, suitable for families and less experienced cyclists. The path runs close to the shore, offering nice views along the way. You can find good spots to stop and enjoy a picnic.

Reculver Towers are the remains of a 12th-century monastery built on the site of an old Roman fort. The towers have served as a landmark for sailors for centuries and are clearly visible from the water.

Round-up

With all these great cycle routes, you’re sure to have enjoyable outdoor cycling trips in Kent! So, what are you waiting for? England’s most south-easterly county is truly worth a visit. Give these cycle routes a try to see the best of what it has to offer. Be sure to include it in your list of best cities for cyclists destinations in the UK on your next ride!