Stalisfield to Canterbury
- Start point: The Bowl (pub)
- Start time: 11:00, Saturday 11th June 2011
- Distance: 17 miles
- Ride leader: James Mount (stalisfield-ride@bigwheelofkent.org.uk)
Getting to the start point
The Bowl public house is about 2.5 miles from the railway station at Charing and a 320 ft climb to the top of the Downs. From the station car park turn right and immediately left into Station Road. Cross the A20 and continue along The High Street, which then becomes The Hill. At the T junction with the A252 (signed to Canterbury) turn right and continue up the hill. The first left is The Wynd which is an extremely steep short cut to a left turn into Bowl Road. The alternative is to continue along the A252, which is a far gentler climb, to the next left which takes you directly into Bowl Road. Follow Bowl Road to the Bowl Inn (about 1 mile).
The ride
This Big Wheel of Kent “spoke” is led by East Kent Strokes charity and all riders are strongly encouraged to raise sponsorship for this charity. Please go to their web site: http://eastkentstrokes.wordpress.com/ for further information or phone contact John Towner on 01233 840448.
The route is characterised by short and fairly steep climbs, and long and fast downhill stretches. The route starts by following a small undulating country lane east from The Bowl until turning left at the T junction with Faversham Road. The route is then mainly a gentle downhill past Shottenden to the historic village of Chilham (featured in many TV period dramas).
For the final section you need to resist the temptations of the pubs and tea rooms in Chilham and head off Canterbury along the River Stour valley. If the new Chartham to Canterbury cycle route is complete then we will cycle through the village of Chartham and along the banks of the River Stour into the heart of Canterbury, approaching Dane John Gardens past Canterbury’s Norman castle. The alternative route takes us up onto the Downs again, another hill, then with a long gentle decent towards Canterbury, again with lovely views.
Getting back to the start point
For the return journey there are direct trains running from Canterbury West Station to Charing. These run hourly (2 minutes past the hour) on Sundays and take about 45 minutes.
