Winkles and Marshes

This is very similar to the Winkles and Trains Tour, but we have designed this tour to give you an extra day and night to explore the medieval town of Rye, with its quaint cobbled streets and the surrounding Romney Marshes more fully.

Day 1 Arrival in Canterbury

You arrive in Canterbury and have the rest of the day to explore it fully before relaxing in one of the many pubs or restaurants in the evening.

Day 2 Canterbury to Deal 34 miles.

Your hire bike will be ready for you and you will head off towards the quaint seaside resort of Deal, passing through Whitstable and the ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich.

Day 3 Deal to Dymchurch 29 miles.

Takes you to the remote area of Romney Marsh, unique with its network of dykes, medieval church spires and the renowned 'Romney' sheep which dominate the landscape. Local stories of Marsh folklore still abound, revealing mysterious tales of shipwrecks and centuries of smuggling. Your overnight stop is in Dymchurch. A ride on the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is well worth while if you have the time. The 15" gauge double track, 'the world's smallest public railway', runs from Hythe to Dungeness. Travellers can alight at any of the stations, or ride to the end of the line for a breathtaking view from the top of the Old Lighthouse.

Day 4 Dymchurch to Rye 24 miles.

Today is a short hop giving you plenty of time to take in some of the churches on the marshes or maybe you would prefer to poke around the shops and museums of Rye. Neighbouring Winchelsea, another town of picturesque Georgian houses, is only a short distance from Rye so you might decide to pay it a visit before returning to Rye for the night.

Day 5 Rye to Wye 25 miles.

Leaving Rye you travel through quiet lanes and lovely villages as far as the market town of Wye, with its agricultural museum.

Day 6 Wye to Canterbury 13 or 30 miles.

Sees your return to Canterbury by two possible routes; firstly a short route of 13 miles to give you more time to explore the treasures of Canterbury, and secondly a longer route of 30 miles which includes a visit to the old market town of Faversham.