If you enjoy great sea views, big skies and historic landscapes, then visit the seven-mile long Oyster Bay Trail – by bike
Kent cycle ride of the month
If you enjoy great sea views, big skies and historic landscapes, then visit the seven-mile long Oyster Bay Trail – by bike
Location: Swalecliffe to Reculver
Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km), allow 1 hour
Terrain: Mostly flat, surfaced path
Parking: At Reculver Country Park, Herne Bay and Swalecliffe
Refreshments & facilities: Visitor Centre, toilets and refreshments at Reculver Country Park, refreshments also available en route at Swalecliffe and Herne Bay.
A wonderful addition to Kent's coastal cycle network, this newly constructed trail provides a natural extension to the renowned Viking Coastal Trail and links Reculver Country Park to Bishopstone, Herne Bay and Swalecliffe.
The first phase of this new cycle route offers around five miles of promenade, new traffic-free cycle paths and quiet residential roads. A further 1.5 miles are along Herne Bay seafront
The Oyster Bay Trail is signed Regional Route 15 and takes visitors from the sea wall at Swalecliffe towards Hampton. The route then follows Herne Bay seafront, which benefits from a new 20mph speed limit along Central Parade and rejoins the promenade at the eastern end of the town.
At Bishopstone it goes around woodland and on towards Reculver Country Park, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, a delight at sunset.
Reculver Country Park is internationally important for wildlife as a Special Protection Area and Special Site of Scientific Interest. The eroding cliffs provide an important habitat for a range of insects and birds.
The clifftop grassland provides a pleasant walk and cycle ride for visitors between Reculver and Bishopstone. Sand Martins nest in the cliffs and the grassland on top is a wildflower meadow, home to butterflies and skylarks. The coast is undefended and the constant landslips reveal the geology of the area.
The Reculver Towers are a landmark and Scheduled Ancient Monument that can be seen across the coastline from Herne Bay to Birchington, and the Kentish Flats offshore Wind Farm can also be seen from afar.
Reculver Visitor Centre is a great place to stop and rest or to find out more about the area as it has superb displays about the site and a range of information about the importance of the site for wildlife, history and geology. Convenient cycle parking and public toilets are also provided close by.
For those wanting to continue the challenge go further east along the Viking Coastal Trail towards Margate via the slip way and numerous bays.
25-31 July Kent Bike Week
Fantastic new traffic-free cycle routes are opening soon so you can explore more of Kent's countryside and coast by bike this summer. To celebrate, Kent Bike Week will offer free guided bike rides every day along some of Kent's best cycle routes. Book now as places are limited.
Whether you join in with Kent Bike Week or not, don't miss the opportunity this summer to get out, cycle Kent's wonderful bike rides and take in our glorious countryside and coast. All the routes are listed on the Explore Kent website or you can find them on Explore Kent's new free iPhone and Android App. You can also track and share your own rides with friends.
