| Start and Finish | Kearsney Abbey Nr Dover (TR 28634 43740) |
| Distance | 43km |
| Approx. time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Maps |
| Start and Finish | Kearsney Abbey Nr Dover (TR 28634 43740) |
| Distance | 34km |
| Approx. time | 2.5 to 4 hours |
| Maps |
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The bridleway network around Dover is quite dense. However most sections need to be linked by small tarmack portions. The two rides proposed start from Kearsney abbey car park (North of Dover). Both rides are fairly difficult and could be muddy and hard going during winter. Dover West:
The first ride proposed covers the west of Dover and uses a mix of bridleways, cycle paths and quiet lanes. Straight from the start, the route goes up through woodlands and cow fields to Ewell Minis. From here a short road section leads to a large double track between fields followed by a technical, rocky downhill. On reaching the gate, the bridleway, although not easy to find follows the bottom of the field on your left. At the end of this section, a short climb on the road leads to Ellinge House (TR 23809 42805). The OS map shows 2 bridleways on the right hand side. Only one seems to still exit. Follow it to Great Everden Farm and keep on your right to take the bridleway going down toward Drellingore Cottage Farm. The downhill is fast and rocky and tend to be overgrown toward the end during summer. A short road section toward South Alkam and the first bridleway on your left should challenge you. If the first section on grassy surface doesn't stop you, the second part after crossing the road and toward greenwood farm certainly will. At the top, follow the road back toward Ewell Minis and after the phonebox, turn right on a well surface bridleway firstly and across a horse field at the end. In Alkham, cross the main road and go up along the field, carry on in the woodland. At the road head toward Mount Arafat and follow the road to Capel church farm, across the dual carriage, through Capel le Ferne and along the cliff top. From the top and if the weather is clear, the view is usually amazing, with Dungeness (SWest) and France (South). Follow the cyclepath back to Dover and along the A256 through Dover and back to the car park. | ||||||
Dover North West
This second ride takes you to the north west of Dover.
The start is again from Kearsney Abbey. Follow the road toward Temple Ewell and onto the bridleway straigh across the road. This is a steep climb up to Temple farm. The track disappears at the top in the field but keep onto your left toward the gate and then under the A2. A short road section to recover from the climb takes you to Eythorne then Elvington. At the end of the village, turn left onto the bridleway. At the second road crossing, turn right onto the road and follow it to Woolage green. The bridleway by the pub takes you across a small woodland (enjoy the singletracks in the wood) then across fields to join the A2. Cross the dual carriage, follow the bridleway to a road junction and head toward Lydden racing circuit. Head toward the A260 then on the other side to Gatteridge farm. The Bridleway is a fast doubletrack that can be very muddy and hard going when wet. Follow the road from Rakeshole Farm to Swingfield Minnis, through Reinden woods (MOD ground, so keep on the path!). From Great Everden farm, it's all up and down across the valley: a hard climb takes you from South Alkam to Chalksole, down to Alkam and back up on the other side to the remains of St. Radigund's abbey. A fast downhill in the woodland and along a field takes you back to the car park