The name of this tour is taken in part from the "Crab and Winkle Way", the name given to the railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable, famous for its oysters. Opened in 1830 and finally closed in 1952, part of this old railway line is now a cycle path connecting the two towns. This tour is a circular route linking Canterbury, Deal, Dymchurch and Tenterden, allowing you to enjoy the full variety of Kent's coast and countryside.
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 Tenterden 32 miles.
Brings you inland to the market town of Tenterden, but not before paying a visit to Rye, rising from the flatlands of Romney Marsh, with its charming meandering cobbled streets.
Day 4 Tenterden to Canterbury 34 miles.
Brings you back to Canterbury along leafy lanes and through some beautiful villages, including the delightful village of Pluckley, with its unusually shaped 'Dering' windows, provided the setting for local author H E Bates' The Darling Buds of May.
Freedom Holiday 