Cycling
The villages, landscape, wildlife and heritage of the Kent coalfield can also be enjoyed on a bicycle. Quiet country lanes lead you through a landscape of hedges, woodlands, hidden valleys and hamlets, passing the former collieries, railway halts and mining villages.
The Miner’s Way cycle route parallels much of the walking trail, passing the sites of Snowdown, Betteshanger and Tilmanstone collieries, travelling through the same villages as the walk does. It also includes a diversion into the lovely medieval market town of Sandwich and the little villages of East Studdal and Ashley, near to where the Tilmanstone ropeway carried coal tubs to Dover Harbour.
Sections of the cycling route follow the existing Sustrans National Cycle Route 16 (R16) and connect directly to Routes 1 and 17 as well. The route is approximately 30 miles in length and can be comfortably completed in a day with a stop for lunch along the way!
The trail is accessible from any of the villages along the route and also from the railway stations at Shepherdswell, Adisham, Aylesham, Snowdown and Sandwich and also from Deal, Dover and Canterbury via Route 16.
An exciting new cycling track will also soon be opening on the site of the new Fowlmead Country Park, formerly the site of the Betteshanger Colliery spoil heap.
Horse Riding
There is an extensive network of bridleways throughout East Kent and the coalfield area. Several of these form part of the Miner's Way Trail, although it is not possible to ride the complete route.
The Miner's Way Guidebook still contains a lot of information which will be of interest to horse riders wanting to enjoy the area and find out more about its landscape, history and mining heritage.
For more information on riding in Kent follow the link to the Kent County Council riding page.
Useful Links
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