Trails
Trail recommendations
The following trails and parks can be found in and around the Medway area. Click on the images to access an interactive Open Cycle Map of that location
Capstone
Capstone has four circular trails covering more than 10km, including a red grade route with a range of technical terrain features, including a north shore. Capstone is one of only two dedicated mountain bike parks in Kent and is located in the heart of Medway
Blue Bell Hill
Blue Bell Hill contains over 400 acres across Burham Down and Nashenden Down. National cycle route 17 runs directly between Monk Wood and Bridgewoods, with the former contains dozens of downhill trails and an inner circular trail to get back to the top of the hill. The historic Robin Hood Pub can be found just off Common Road, before the entrance to the woods
Ranscombe
Ranscombe Farm Reserve is 650 acres in size, is situated next to Cobham Woods and has a 10km circular trail with several linked segments. Ranscombe is managed by Plant Life and is located in Cuxton
Shorne Woods
Shorne Woods Country Park is managed by Kent County Council and is 340 acres in size with a 4km circular bridleway. Situated along national cycle route 177, outside of Strood and just North of Cobham Woods
Heron Trail
Heron Trail is a 25km on-road circular trail that makes up national cycle route 179 on the Hoo Peninsula. It is a regular route used by cycling clubs and for sportive events
North Downs Way
The epic North Downs Way covers 200km across an area of outstanding natural beauty and cuts through the Medway valley
Cyclopark
Gravesend Cyclopark has three MTB trails covering more tham 4km and a black grade route, located along national cycle route 177, which is easily reached from Strood
Bredhurst Woods
Bredhurst Woods is one of the largest ancient woodlands in Kent, is 600 acres in size and is managed Bredhurst Woodland Action Group. There is a 5.5km circular trail and a 2km bridleway that goes directly through the woods
Darnley Trail
Darnley Trail is a 10.5km heritage route that connects Ranscombe, Cobham, Ashenbank, Shorne and Jeskyns Community woodlands
National Cycle Network
Sustrans is the organisation that is responsible for maintaining the national cycle network. Medway has multiple National Cycle Routes (NCR), including NCR 1, 17, 177 and 179
NCR 179 makes up the Heron Way trail on the Hoo Peninsula. NCR 1 follows part of Saxon Shore Way and NCR 17 follows Pilgrims Way
Medway Tow Path
The Medway Towpath is a 10.5km route that runs from Aylesford to Barming. It’s a route much enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and joggers and is a popular route from either direction into Maidstone
Medway Loop
Medway Loop is a route by Medway Mountain Biking that is 20.4km with a 1.8% gradient and encompasses the 'big three' Medway segments that are Darland Banks, Dargets Wood and Coney Banks. The trail also includes Tunbury Wood and Taddington Valey and the majority of the route is off-road
An alternative version of this route could involve passing through Capstone Country Park after leaving Darland Banks, then passing through Hook Wood, before heading onto Dargets Wood
