4.7
(29)
124
riders
10
rides
Gravel biking around Hoath offers a diverse landscape characterized by a mix of coastal paths, woodlands, and rolling hills. The region provides varied terrain suitable for different skill levels, from flat, accessible routes to more challenging ascents. Riders can expect to encounter open countryside, forested sections, and views towards the North Sea.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
4.5
(4)
23
riders
34.4km
01:54
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
24
riders
39.6km
02:18
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(5)
23
riders
15.3km
00:49
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
58.5km
03:45
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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St. Martin's is the oldest church in the English-speaking world and is referred to as the mother church of Canterbury Cathedral. The chancel is the oldest part of the church, with Roman brickwork, and may therefore date from the Roman era or have been built in the mid-6th century from salvaged bricks. The church was gifted in the late 6th century by the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent to his French bride Bertha, who was a Christian, as a place of worship. In 595, Pope Gregory sent Augustine and a group of monks to evangelize the population of England. Upon Augustine's arrival in 597, Ethelbert allowed them to worship in St. Martin's. Soon after, Ethelbert was baptized a Christian here by Augustine. Augustine established his mission at St. Martin's before founding the first St. Augustine's Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral.
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Well worth the minor detour off the surrounding cycle routes to see the picturesque square, with views of the Castle, plus the excellent White Horse pub and an excellent tearoom.
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Nice views but pick your days - summer is too busy with bathers and dog walkers, nice when its quiet though
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Very Easy ride although some bits are a bit bumpy but mostly excellent surface, pick schooldays and early morning to avoid too many dog walkers. Can get a bit breezy though!
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Penny Farthing artwork by Mark Fuller from 2000 on the Crab & Winkle Way. This is a 7.6-mile cycle route on a former railway line between Canterbury and the port of Whitstable. More information on the Sustrans website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/crab-and-winkle-way/
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Some nice historic buildings and heritage, but the level of traffic, means you constantly have to be alert.
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There are over 20 gravel bike routes documented on komoot for the Hoath area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these trails over 200 times, providing an average rating of 4.7 stars.
Yes, Hoath offers several routes suitable for beginners. You can find 5 easy routes, which are generally flatter and less technical. A good option to start with is the Crab and Winkle Way – View of the North Sea loop from University of Kent, which is rated moderate but offers accessible sections and coastal views.
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Hoath features 4 difficult routes. One such demanding trail is the Lyminge Forest – View from Wye Downs loop from Canterbury West. This route spans 36.3 miles (58.5 km) and includes significant elevation changes, taking you through Lyminge Forest and over the Wye Downs.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Hoath are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Westgate Towers – Chilham Square loop from Canterbury West and the Crab and Winkle Way – Chequers Wood and Old Park loop from St Nicholas-at-Wade.
Gravel biking around Hoath offers diverse scenery, including coastal paths with views of the North Sea, dense woodlands, and rolling hills. Routes like the Crab and Winkle Way – View of the North Sea loop from University of Kent provide stunning sea vistas, while others traverse open countryside and forested sections.
Absolutely! The Hoath area is rich in historical and natural landmarks. You can encounter sights such as the ancient Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, the historic Westgate Towers, and the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. The famous Crab and Winkle Way itself is a highlight for cyclists.
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Hoath, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the region's diverse landscape, which combines coastal paths, woodlands, and rolling hills, offering varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations are not always explicit, routes with an 'easy' difficulty grade and lower elevation gain are generally suitable for families. The flatter sections of the Crab and Winkle Way, for example, can be a good option for a family outing.
The diverse terrain of Hoath, with its coastal paths and woodlands, makes it enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddier conditions on unpaved sections.
While specific pub or cafe stops are not detailed in every route description, many trails in the Hoath area pass through or near villages and towns where you can find local establishments. Planning your route with a map that shows amenities will help you identify suitable refreshment stops along the way.
Yes, some routes around Hoath are accessible via public transport, particularly those starting from larger towns like Canterbury. For example, the Westgate Towers – Chilham Square loop and the Lyminge Forest – View from Wye Downs loop both start from Canterbury West, which is a train station.
Many gravel bike routes in the Hoath area offer parking options, especially those that start from trailheads, villages, or larger towns. When planning your ride, check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for information on nearby parking facilities.


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