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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 


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