The Cantii Way Bikepacking Trip - Part 1

Nathan Perrott
Jun 21
4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Distant Reculver stone towers on a coastal cliff overlook a calm blue sea, with grassy fields in the foreground under a clear sky.

Two Days on the Cantii Way - Northern & Eastern Segments

This ride covers the northern and eastern parts of the Cantii Way, a 145-mile circular bikepacking route showcasing Kent’s best coastline, countryside, and historic landmarks. Over two days, Andrew and I cycled from Canterbury to Ramsgate on Day 1, then continued to Folkestone on Day 2, following a mix of quiet lanes, seafront promenades, gravel paths and cliff-top trails.

This is Part 1 of our Cantii Way adventure. Part 2, and the rest of the southern and western segments of the loop, which travels inland from Folkestone through the Kent Downs and back toward Canterbury, is still to come (date TBD). And if it’s anything like the first half, we’re in for a proper ride.

Day 1: Canterbury to Ramsgate (via Whitstable, Reculver & Broadstairs)

We kicked things off with a morning train from Tonbridge to Canterbury, flat whites in hand and hydration tabs at the ready, as it was forecast to be the hottest day of the year - apt for the Summer Solstice.

We rolled out of Canterbury under blue skies and the kind of sunshine that tricks you into thinking England always looks like this. After weeks of anticipation and deliberating what to pack / not pack, the Cantii Way trip was finally underway.

The plan was simple: follow the coast from Canterbury through Whitstable, Reculver, Margate, and Broadstairs, and end the day in Ramsgate. Nothing too punishing — just the kind of ride where you stop when you want, and embrace the joy of slow cycling.

Highlights

The beautiful Crab and Winkle Way, connects Canterbury and Whitstable along an old repurposed railway line, and makes for great car-free cycling through picturesque countryside and woodlands.

From Whitstable to Herne Bay couldn’t be more ‘English seaside’. Even though it was busy, it was still a pleasant cycle alongside the beach, and we certainly weren’t in a rush.

A well-earned half a Guinness and a baguette hit the spot at the Ship Inn in Herne Bay.

Reculver Towers looming ahead like a medieval mirage across the headlands - a brilliant marker and perfect photo opp.

Man sitting on stone bench between two bikes against a stone wall. He appears relaxed, wearing casual clothing, with bike gear nearby.

By the time we hit Westgate-on-Sea, we needed some respite from the sun, and found the perfect shelter built into the cliff.

Two men eat ice cream cones on a sunny day. One has chocolate, the other mint. They're seated outdoors with a blue sky backdrop.

A well-earned ice cream in Broadstairs, chocolate for one, mint choc chip for the other - all smiles and sticky hands.

Dinner at Marc-Pierre’s Kitchen in Ramsgate was the perfect end to the perfect day. Superb service, delicious food, lovely wine, postcard views and great company.

The Route on Day 1

A mix of surfaces - some paved promenade, some gravel, and long grass tracks - with barely a hill in sight. We rolled past beaches, beach huts, and eventually the cliff-top views of Broadstairs and on toward Ramsgate.

📍 Distance: ~55km / 33miles

⛰️ Climbing: Minimal

🚴🏼 Surface: 60% paved / 40% gravel & grass

☀️ Conditions: Glorious

😁 Mood: 10/10

View the Cantii Way Day 1 route on Strava

Day 2: Ramsgate to Folkestone

A large Viking ship model with dragon head carvings, black hull, and red shields, displayed outdoors by the sea on a cloudy day.

We set out from Ramsgate as planned at 5.45am on the dot, weather much cooler but still muggy.

We continued out of Ramsgate along the Cantii Way, legs stiff but spirits lifted by the promise of coastal views and a breakfast stop at some point.

Highlights

The forecast had threatened rain, and it didn’t disappoint - a persistent drizzle greeted us as we skirted the shoreline, narrowly missing the thunder and lightning storm just after Sandwich, but no such luck avoiding a very sandy bridle path! We took a wrong turn, seeking shelter from the storm and ended up with the bikes caked in wet sand. Not ideal!

We hoped somewhere would be open for breakfast in Deal, but it was only just gone 7am and the Royal Hotel didn’t look open for breakfast yet.

We decided to plough on, weaving through sleepy streets before reaching Kingsdown, where the path hugged the pebbled beaches on slick tarmac.

Approaching Dover, after a very long climb up the inland side of the white cliffs of Dover, the route gave us one of the day’s most iconic views — Dover Castle rising above the greenery, brooding on the horizon as we climbed steadily inland. With grey skies above and wet roads below, the castle felt suitably dramatic.

By now, breakfast was overdue. We ducked into a Costa on a retail park, parked the bikes inside like two rain-soaked roadies on a mission, and inhaled croissants, toasties, coffee, and whatever else looked warm and edible. Costa might not be your typical cyclist café stop, but it was heaven in that moment, and the duty manager was so helpful and friendly. A pleasant surprise.

The climb out of Dover gave way to better weather - blue skies finally started to break through. As we wound up towards the clifftops near Capel-le-Ferne, the world opened up again. Sunshine bounced off the Channel and green meadows lined our route. Then came the Battle of Britain Memorial - Spitfires, sculptures, and history stitched into the landscape. A poignant and beautiful stop. Not far beyond, a massive straw hare appeared out of nowhere in a freshly cut field. No explanation. No sign. Just a towering hare watching over the trail. We couldn’t decide if it was charming or slightly terrifying.

Cyclist on a country path surrounded by green fields, overlooking the coast under a clear blue sky. Folkestone is visible in the distance.

From there, the descent into Folkestone was as nearly as perfect as you’d hope (bar a few minor wrong turns) - but it was fast, smooth, and sun-drenched, and we arrived just in time for our train home. A brilliant finish to a day that had started wet and grey.

An amazing couple of days, and we can’t wait for Part 2 - the inland segment of the Cantii Way.