Poplars, Pines and Pedals
This cycle ride is a hilly adventure from Faversham to Perry Woods, with the option to extend the ride along local nature trails.
Linking Coast to Downs Route 1
Faversham
The route meets the National Cycle Route 1 at Abbey Palace, where you can learn about Faversham’s Royal Abbey. If you’d like to explore on foot, there is cycle parking throughout the town. There are two handy circular Faversham Nature Trails to join nearby, allowing you explore the wilderness of the marshes where the tidal waters of Faversham Creek meet The Swale. If you’d rather stay in-land, Faversham boasts historic buildings, shops, cafes and pubs. Faversham is home to Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer – why not book a tour?
Faversham to Clockhouse Lane
As you climb the hill, you’ll quickly reach hedged fields, countryside and birdsong. The landscape here has been used for fruit and hops for centuries because of the rich, free-draining soils. The distinctive and characterful lines of tall poplar trees were planted to protect these traditional horticultural crops. In fact, this whole area is referred to as ‘The Faversham Fruit Belt’.
Owen’s Court to Selling
The undulating land around Owen’s Court offers views of Perry Wood and the Kent Downs National Landscape to the south, showing the adventure that lies ahead! The route gets steeper here, but there’s plenty to see as you climb. Enjoy beautiful views of a chalk grassland valley, part of the Sheldwich Lees Court Estate. This valley is typical of the Kent Downs landscape, with stunning ancient woodland, adorning to the top of the steep slopes. Reaching Shepherd’s Hill, you’re rewarded with a gentle downhill and the end is in sight!
Perry Wood
This place has so much to offer: ancient woodland, a wealth of wildlife, panoramic views, lots of history and a welcoming pub. You’ll find cycle parking in the car park behind the Rose and Crown pub and in the main car park. There are plenty of bridleways through the wood. The acidic soils of Perry Hill support trees like rowan and birch, the planted Scots pines, as well as heather and heathland wildlife. The hills have been an important vantage point for thousands of years. Find The Pulpit lookout on the southern mount for incredible views as far as Chartham and the Wye Downs.
Linking Coast to Downs
The Linking Coast to Downs series of walks and rides has been developed to promote access between the atmospheric coast of Swale and the rolling hills of the Kent Downs National Landscape.
