48 Hours in the Kent Downs 🚴‍♀️🌳
 
Note: this guide starts and ends at Maidstone East station, a 60 minute train journey from London. The daily distances are intentionally shorter to allow for the added travel time whilst still giving you plenty of time to enjoy the ride.
 
Escape the city for a weekend of quiet lanes, rolling farmland, and peaceful countryside. This two-day ride covers 134km with around 1,500m of climbing, taking you through scenic villages, open fields, and charming country roads that feel a world away from city life.
 
You’ll spend the night in a cosy, bike-friendly hotel in Canterbury, where bikes are welcome in the rooms (hoorah!). After a day in the saddle, unwind with a hot shower before enjoying a short stroll into the city centre to explore the cathedral, bars, and restaurants — the perfect way to recharge before day two.
 
This guide gives you everything you need to adventure stress-free: GPX files, a detailed itinerary, and insider tips so you can focus on the ride, not the planning.
 
✅ Fully mapped 2-day route — starting and ending at Maidstone East Station, just 60 minutes on the train from London
 
✅ Detailed itinerary — highlighting cafés, scenic viewpoints, and must-see stops along the way
 
✅ Practical packing checklist — everything you need for a smooth, hassle-free weekend on the bike
 
✅ Bike-friendly hotel stay — personally vetted, with hot showers, breakfast included, and easy access to Canterbury
 
Perfect for riders who want to enjoy a fully planned bikepacking weekend without camping, or anyone looking to explore the Kent Downs at a relaxed pace — just pack your bike, follow the route, and let the adventure unfold.