Canterbury circular ride via Goodnestone
- Start point: Dane John Gardens, Canterbury
- Start time: 10:30, Saturday 11th June 2011
- Distance: 26 miles
- Ride leader: Beatrice Shire (01227 766782, goodnestone-ride@bigwheelofkent.org.uk)
Getting to the start point
The start point is Dane John Gardens Canterbury. The park is close to Canterbury East railway station (just across the bridge opposite the station exit) and about half a mile from Canterbury West railway station (head towards the City Centre).
If you are travelling by car there are two car parks adjacent to Dane John Gardens. A less expensive option is to park at one of Canterbury’s Park & Rides and cycle in.
The ride
The ride is suitable for most types of bike. It does include two off-road sections that have compacted grit or rather pot-holed surfaces. The ride goes through gently rolling countryside and it does include at least one hill (just beyond Fordwich) where you may have to get off and push.
This ride explores the countryside to the east and south-east of Canterbury. It leaves Canterbury along a dedicated cycle route (Sustrans NCR 1) to Fordwich. After another two miles the ride leaves NCR1 and winds its way through the Kentish villages of Littlebourne, Ickham and Wingham Well before reaching the picturesque village of Goodnestone with its imposing Goodnestone House. AThis is a good place to stop and look around. From Goodnestone the ride skirts to the south of the former coal-mining village of Aylesham and through Womenswold, over the A2 and down into Barham. You are now on your way back to Canterbury passing Kinston, through Bishopsbourne (with the Mermaid pub) and on to Bridge. From Bridge it is back under the A2 to Patrixbourne and then onto Regional Cycle Route 16 along farm roads back into Canterbury.
