Crab & Winkle Way

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From - to: Canterbury to Whitstable

Type: Disused railway path

Surface: Streets at start and finish, fine stone-based path between university and South Street

National Cycle Network Route number: National Route 1

A milepost on the Crab and Winkle Way

The Crab and Winkle Way links the cathedral city of Canterbury with the harbour in Whitstable. From Harbledown the route is mostly traffic-free, following the railway line from the Winding Pond (a great place to picnic) to the outskirts of Whitstable. 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.

The route does feature some hills, with a 61m (200ft) climb out of Canterbury and an undulating middle section. However, there are fine views over Whitstable from the highest point of the ride.

The route ends at Whitstable station, but is signed right through to the harbour of this lovely seaside town which is still a commercial port. Enjoy its weatherboard cottages, stroll down Squeeze Gut Alley and sample the local seafood for which the railway was nicknamed. If you don't feel up to the ride back, you can get the train from Whitstable to Canterbury East station, but you will have to change at Faversham.

Download a route description for the Crab and Winkle Way.

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