Sandwich to Canterbury
- Start point: The Quay
- Start time: 11:00, Saturday 11th June 2011
- Distance: 18 miles
- Ride leader: Dominic Depaolis and Brian Hood from the Ramsgate and Deal rides (sandwich-ride@bigwheelofkent.org.uk)
Getting to the start point
The ride will leave from The Quay in Sandwich. Sandwich railway station is on the Dover to Ramsgate line. Turn left out of the station along Delfside, left into St George’s Road and then right into New Street. Follow the one-way system through Sandwich until you face the Bell Hotel. The Quay is then on your left.
If you are travelling to Sandwich by car there is a car park at The Quay.
You will be joining the rides from Ramsgate and Deal which will arrive at the Quay at about 10:45.
The ride
The cycle route to Canterbury follows NCR1 for the most part along country lanes. The section from Fordwich to Canterbury has a compacted grit surface. The route is suitable for all types of bike. The route is flat with only very minor hills.
At the Quay in Sandwich you can have a look around the “Tour de Sandwich” event that is also happening on June 11th before joining riders from Sandwich and Deal for the second leg of the ride.
Sandwich is one of the best-preserved small towns in Britain that you will be able to appreciate as the ride follows the one-way system. You will then pass Richborough Castle. Although now over a mile from the sea it was in Roman times the main port into Britain. It is also the start of Watling Street that went through Canterbury and on up to London. The ride then meanders along small lanes across reclaimed marshland, through villages of Westmarsh, Elmstone, Preston and Stodmarsh. After Stodmarsh the route climbs a low ridge before dropping down to Fordwich. You will then follow a cycle track into Canterbury. Cyclists with road bikes may choose to follow the A28 Sturry Road from Fordwich into Canterbury.
Getting back to the start point
For the return journey there are direct trains running from Canterbury West Station to Ramsgate. For Sandwich and Deal change at Ramsgate onto the Dover line.
