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Historic Canterbury Loop


A road cycling route starting from Queenborough

Explore the historic city of Canterbury on this scenic cycling route.

Map

The Historic Canterbury Loop is a picturesque cycling route that takes you through the beautiful countryside of Kent and allows you to explore the historic city of Canterbury. This route features stunning scenery, including rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque lanes. With a moderate difficulty level, it is suitable for well-trained amateur cyclists. The route covers a distance of 103 kilometers and has an ascent of 733 meters. The highlight of this route is the opportunity to visit the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in England. Other highlights include Rushenden, with its scenic views, and Luddenham, with its beautiful medieval church. As you continue, you will pass through the scenic village of Lower Hardres, known for its traditional thatched-roof cottages. Further along the route, you will encounter Ospringe, a charming town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The final highlight of the route is Queenborough, a historic town with a stunning harbor and beautiful views of the Thames Estuary. Overall, the Historic Canterbury Loop offers a diverse and captivating cycling experience, combining the natural beauty of the Kent countryside with the rich history and cultural heritage of Canterbury. It is a route that is sure to delight both avid cyclists and history enthusiasts alike.

road
103 km
733 m
Tough
Route profile

Highlights on the route

Start: Queenborough Village center
Queenborough: Queenborough: Cycle alongside the coast and enjoy the tranquility of Kent's seaside towns.
Queenborough, situated in Kent, United Kingdom, might not be the most renowned cycling destination, but it still has its charms for road and gravel cyclists. The town itself offers easy access to seaside cycling routes and flat terrain, making it a suitable choice for leisurely rides. Queenborough serves as a gateway to the Isle of Sheppey, which provides additional cycling opportunities with its coastal paths and scenic views. While it may not have any famous cycling spots or challenging climbs, Queenborough offers a pleasant cycling experience for those who enjoy relaxed rides.
RushendenVillage
Rushenden offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot to take a break during your ride.
LuddenhamHamlet
Located in Luddenham, the medieval church is a historical gem that should not be missed.
Lower HardresHamlet
Lower Hardres is known for its charming traditional cottages with thatched roofs, creating a picture-perfect scene against the countryside backdrop.
CanterburyCity
Canterbury Cathedral is a must-visit landmark with a rich history spanning over a thousand years. Explore its awe-inspiring architecture and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic site.
OspringeVillage
Ospringe is a historic town with Roman roots and is home to several fascinating sites, including old Roman walls and buildings.
QueenboroughVillage
Queenborough offers stunning views of the picturesque Thames Estuary and is steeped in history, making it a perfect place to end your cycling adventure.
Finish: Queenborough Village center
Queenborough: Queenborough: Cycle alongside the coast and enjoy the tranquility of Kent's seaside towns.

Cycling routes nearby:

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Cycling in Sheerness: Coastal routes and the London to Paris cycle route.

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Allhallows

Limited cycling options in a quiet coastal locality.

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Teynham

Varied terrain and scenic routes in Kent, United Kingdom.

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Rainham

Pedal through history in the delightful town of Rainham.

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Southend-on-Sea

Explore the picturesque coastal routes of Southend-on-Sea on your bike.