Cycle Routes
The Cliffs and Castles Route
National Cycle Route 1 - From Dover to Deal
Come by sea or from the west into Dover, and the first thing you see is the magnificent white cliffs. Spend some time savouring Dover's rich maritime history as the Gateway to England:
Worth a visit:
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat - 01304 201066 - www.dovermuseum.co.uk
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The Roman Painted House and Roman Fort - 01304 203279
Dover Castle - 01304 201628
White Cliffs Boat Trip - 01304 201628 - Mobile 07971 301379
However, before leaving Dover, you could take a dip in the sea followed by a trip to one of the many pubs and cafes nearby.
Route 1 is well signed. Choose from two routes from the seafront up the hill crowned by Dover Castle: either push your bike up a cliffside path, or ride into the town centre, then up north of the castle. The two routes, both steep, meet up near the Langdon Cliffs.
Places to visit on the way:
Langdon Cliffs - the Gateway to the White Cliffs - 01304 202756
South Foreland Lighthouse (off the route) - 01304 202756.
St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe and St. Margaret's Bay. Go for refreshments in one of the teashops or pubs in the High Street. Take a detour to Dover Patrol Memorial and enjoy a cup of tea and cream bun in the old Coastguard lookout, now converted into a cafe with a magnificent view over the Channel to France or plunge down the hill to the spectacular bay nestling among the cliffs and visit the Pines Garden - 01304 852764
The route to Kingsdown follows an of-road track across open downland with lovely views but it is unlit, so not to be recommended at night.
At Kingsdown the route again leaves the road to follow a shared path next to the wide peaceful shingle beach, colonised by rare plants and with spectacular seashore views. You can stop off at three fine pubs:
The Zetland Arms on the sea-front - 01304 364888;
The Rising Sun on the route - 01304 373983; and
The King's Head Upper Street - 01304 373915; also
the excellent Kitty's Tearoom, on the route - 01304 373755
In Walmer, the path passes the Castle (home to the Duke Of Wellington) and Walmer Green, with the Lifeboat House (to rescue ships wrecked on the infamous Goodwin Sands), cafes and paddling pool - ride slowly and be especially careful of pedestrians along this stretch.
The path reaches Deal near the spot where Julius Caesar landed in 55BC.
At Deal Castle, the route rejoins the road at a busy point TAKE CARE, watch for traffic at junctions along the seafront road. Past the Timeball Tower is Deal Pier - park your bike and explore the town.
- Cliffs and Castles
- National Route 1 from Dover to Deal
- National Route 1 from Deal to Sandwich
- The Sandwich Way - Route 15
- The Miners' Cycle Trail
- The Skylark Trail
