Crab and Winkle Way

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The Crab and Winkle Way is a terrific 7.5 mile (12km) mainly traffic-free route between Canterbury and Whitstable. Opened in 1999, it forms part of National
Route 1 and takes its name from the railway line that once ran between the two towns until 1952. It’s mostly flat, running partly on the old railway path, but also on woodland and Forestry Commission tracks.

Tips: Start: Canterbury
Finish: Whitstable

(National Route 1)
7.5 miles (12km), mainly traffic-free disused railway line
from University of Kent, Canterbury to Whitstable

RAILWAY
There are railway stations at either end of the route. Canterbury has two stations; Canterbury West is the closer to the start of the trail.
For train times call: 08457 484950

BIKE HIRE
Whitstable Cycle Hire - location: The Captain's House, 56 Harbour Street, Whitstable CT5 1AQ

Canterbury Cycle Hire - location: The Goods Shed, Station Road West, Canterbury, CT2 8AN

Herne Bay Cycle Hire - location: Le Petit Poisson, Pier Approach, Central Parade, Herne Bay, CT6 5JN

Website: www.wcch.co.uk
Contact telephone number for all: 07791 114529

TOURIST INFORMATION
Canterbury/Whistable - 01227 378100
www.visitkent.co.uk

MAPS & GUIDES
Ordnance Survey Explorer 150 & Landranger 179 cover this area, please telephone KCC on 08458 247 600 or email: env.publications@kent.gov.uk to order.

Please note that route shown may not accurately follow public rights of way and signage on ground should be followed at all times.

Cycle route provided by Explore Kent
Explore Kent is a Kent County Council Initiative

Points of Interest

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Explore Kent by Bike

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Crab and Winkle Way

The cycle route was opened in 1999 and takes its name from the old Victorian railway line which once linked the two towns until 1952. As stated in the Guinness Book of Records, the Crab & Winkle was only the third railway line ever built, and when it opened in 1830 was “the first regular steam passenger railway in the world”. But the steam locomotive Invicta couldn’t cope with the gradients and was soon replaced with cables driven by a winding steam engine. Cyclists today shouldn’t experience any problems with the short climbs though!

Route 1 - Crab and Winkle Sign Post 100_1711 Photo

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Blean Woods

On the way you travel through Blean Woods, one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, where you can find the rare heath fritillary butterfly.

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Whitstable

Once in Whitstable, enjoy the oysters while taking in the stunning views across the bay, especially at sunset. Whitstable is famous for its oysters and millions were raised and consumed every year during the 1860’s and 1870’s. Boat building was the backbone of Whitstable’s prosperity from the late 18th century until the 20th century. The diving suit was developed there in 1828 and dollar row along the sea front is said to have been built on the treasure found from deep sea dives.