Cantii Way

People cycling along the coast at sunset
Experience the Garden of England on this 234km bikepacking tour around east Kent

What is the Cantii Way?

Taking its name from the Celtic tribe which inhabited the area during the Iron Age, the Cantii Way combines quirky coastal towns and dramatic chalk cliffs with the rolling hills of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The circular route uses traffic-free cycle paths, bridleways and quiet roads, and is ideal for touring and hybrid bikes. It’s perfect for a leisurely trip, with lots to discover along the way – from remnants of military defences to vibrant art trails and vineyards.

Cantii Way forms part of the European Regional Development Fund EXPERIENCE project, which aims to develop sustainable off-season tourism activities across six regions in England and France. As part of the project, Cycling UK will also be supporting hospitality businesses along the route to become accredited Cycle Friendly Places, so you know you will be greeted with a warm welcome and everything you need.

View the digital guide

Experience Kent by bike

Escape the tourist hotspots and seek out the back lanes, woodland trails and coastal cycle paths to join the dots between the many fascinating places that reveal the history and culture of the region.

When you need to refuel, the ‘Garden of England’ is also a haven for food and drink connoisseurs, with a wealth of local produce to sample, vineyards galore and the pointed white tops of hop-drying oast houses peeking through the trees.

As part of the European Regional Development Fund EXPERIENCE project, Cycling UK is working with the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to develop cycle hub locations across the county, with promoted routes which showcase the varied riding in the area. We’re supporting businesses to become accredited Cycle Friendly Places, so you know you’ll have great options for places to eat and stay.

Wye

Nestled at the foot of the Kent Downs, the medieval village of Wye provides a welcome feeling of peace and tranquillity in the otherwise busy and bustling south-east corner of England.

Explore the routes:

Dover

One of Britain’s best-known south coast ports, Dover stands proudly between its famous white cliffs. With its majestic castle as a coastal fortress once used to protect the whole country, along with unique wildlife and ancient woodland, Dover is certainly worth exploring beyond its busy ferry terminals.

Explore the three circular routes:

Canterbury

Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Canterbury Cathedral, the Church of St Martin and the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey – Canterbury’s rich history and beautiful buildings make it a popular tourist destination, which is consistently ranked as one of the most-visited cities in the UK.

Explore the three circular routes:

Would you like to see more off-road routes?

Developing new off-road routes like the Cantii Way is only possible because of the support of our 70,000 members.

You can help us continue campaigning for off-road access by becoming a member or making a donation.