Viking Coastal Trail (Thanet Loop)

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Where else can you conquer a whole corner of the coast by bike? 

Hugging the coastline from Ramsgate, through Broadstairs and Margate, and then onto Reculver Towers – this circular cycle route takes you around the charms of the Isle of Thanet via Regional Cycle Network 15. 

Enjoy sea views and breath-taking scenery from your bike on this well-signed and mostly off-road, traffic-free route. Take a day to do the loop, or take on a shorter section for a leisurely ride. 

    • Full route info

    ISLE OF THANET LOOP
    Viking Coastal Trail

    Route type: 
    Circular – mainly off-road on smooth terrain (plus shorter sections – see below)

    Start point: CT11 9LG 
    Distance: 32 miles 
    Duration: 4+ hours 
    Difficulty: Moderate 

    Bike hire: Harbour Bikes

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE GOOGLE MAPS ROUTE PDF PRINT GUIDE

    Shorter section rides

    RAMSGATE TO BROADSTAIRS 
    Harbour & Heritage Ride

    Take in the splendors of our Royal Harbour, a Victorian pavilion and even an ornate glasshouse. 

    Distance: 3 miles
    Duration: 30 mins

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE
    BROADSTAIRS 
    Historic Broadstairs Ride

    Explore the landscape that inspired Charles Dickens on this ride to nostalgic Broadstairs and beyond. 

    Distance: 3 miles 
    Duration: 30 mins 

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE
    CLIFFSEND TO MONKTON
    The Path of St Augustine Ride 

    Retrace the footsteps of St Augustine, the missionary charged with bringing Christianity from Rome to England in 597 AD. 

    Distance: 4.5 miles
    Duration: 45 mins 

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE
    JOSS BAY TO MARGATE 
    Smuggler’s Haunts Ride 

    Pass the bays and caves favoured by 18th century smugglers – including the beautiful Botany Bay. 

    Distance: 3.5 miles
    Duration: 30 mins 

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE
    MARGATE TO MINNIS BAY 
    Bays & Beaches Ride  

    Six sandy bays and hidden coves await along this largely traffic-free route. 

    Distance: 3.75 miles
    Duration: 35 mins 

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE
    ST NICHOLAS-AT-WADE TO RAMSGATE 
    The Six Churches Ride  

    Wheel past ancient churches and charming villages, before returning to vibrant Ramsgate. 

    Distance: 9.5 miles
    Duration: 90 mins 

    Maps & guides:
    We recommend downloading OS Maps app: Apple | Android 

    OS MAPS ROUTE

    Photo credits: Colin’s Kent Bike Tours, Explore Kent, Tourism at TDC, Alex Tuddenham / On My Drone, Josh Tilley

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