Explore the county on two wheels.

Explore Kent Bike Week, the county’s biggest event on two wheels, is back again.

The week-long celebration of Kent’s best cycle routes runs from Saturday, June 2 to Sunday, June 10, and aims to encourage more people to get out and about on their bikes by promoting everyday cycling.

The guided rides that make up the week cater for all abilities, so check them out and see which one suits you best.

You can choose from a wide variety of short, easy-going rides that are ideal for families and leisure cyclists, or stretch your legs and get your wheels spinning on some longer, challenging rides along the North Downs and through the Weald, taking in some awesome countryside along the way.

Traffic-free cycling is perfect for families or those wanting a relaxing ride. This year, some exciting new routes have been opened in Kent, so cyclists can explore and enjoy even more of our glorious countryside and coast. Bike Week is also celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so if you want to celebrate but avoid the crowds, this is the ideal bank holiday celebration for you.

In addition to Bike Week, this summer Sky Ride has come to Kent. This is a nationwide initiative from Sky and British Cycling. Between now and September you can join a Sky Ride Local ride for free. Sky Ride Local rides are fun, free community bike rides that offer a great way of getting out and exploring your local area. Go to www.goskyride.com/kent to see what rides are on offer.

Explore Kent’s free iPhone and Android App also offers plenty of traffic-free and off-road routes that you can enjoy at your leisure. You can also track and share your own rides with friends.

Bike week rides

Saturday, June 2

Pilgrims’ Cycle Trail – linear10am

47 miles l 7.5 hours l Strenuous

Follow National Cycle Routes 17 and 18 from Rochester to Canterbury through the stunning Kent countryside. This wonderful cycle route follows much of the historic Pilgrims’ Way through the heart of Kent. 56% on-road, 44% off-road, suitable for mountain bikes. A linear ride to Canterbury West so you need to make your own travel arrangements at the end of the ride.

Oyster Bay Trail Ride 1 – return ride 10.15am

12.4 miles l 3 hours l Easy

A seaside promenade ride with views across the Thames Estuary. A pub at the start and a bandstand in Herne Bay offer refreshment. 36% on-road, 64% off road with one small hill, suitable for all bikes. From Reculver Towers, where the visitor centre is worth a visit, you can ride independently east to Minnis Bay, along the flat seawall.

Sunday, June 3

Deal via Sandwich Ride 1 – return ride 10.45am

11.5 miles l 2.5 hours l Easy

A taste of the Sandwich to Rye route, taking you from Deal and its beaches towards the centre of Sandwich. Along the way, chalk downland gives way to sandy beaches and dunes. Enjoy a stop at The Quay in Sandwich for about 15-20 minutes before returning to Deal via National Cycle Route 1. 100% on-road, suitable for all bikes.

Viking Coastal Trail, Margate to Ramsgate – linear 11.15am

10 miles l 2.5 hours l Moderate

A “must do” for serious cyclists but also for novices or a family day out as two-thirds of the trail is traffic free. There is plenty to enjoy along this route in Thanet. There will be a stop at Reculver for refreshment. 40% on-road, 60% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Monday, June 4

Pilgrims’ Progress – Circular 9.45am

25 miles l 3.5 hours l Moderate

Enjoy a leisurely ride along the historic Pilgrims’ Way with a stop at Westerham. The return leg will take you through Otford and the Shoreham Valley. 100% on-road, suitable for all bikes.

Royal Military Canal Ride 1 – circular 10am

8.4miles l 2.5 hours l Easy

Cycle along the banks of the historic canal, taking in the memorable scenery of Romney Marsh. 35% on-road, 65% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Viking Coastal Trail – circular 10am

29 miles l 5 hours l Strenuous

See Trail for Sunday, June 3.

Deal via Sandwich Ride 2 - return ride 10.45am

11.5 miles l 2.5 hours l Easy

See ride for Sunday, June 3.

CycloCountry via Jeskyns – circular at 10.45am

5.2 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

This is Kent’s newest cycling venue. Just south of Gravesend the park opened last week. This ride takes you from the Cyclopark, along a new dedicated cycle route to Jeskyns Country Park. 24% on-road, 76% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Tuesday, June 5

Tudor Trail - linear 9.30am

10 miles l 2.5 hours l Moderate

An interesting ride along Regional Cycle Route 12 from Tonbridge Castle, beside the River Medway, past Penshurst Place and onto Hever Castle. A comfortable cycle ride for all the family. 34% on-road, 66% off-road, suitable for mountain bikes. If demand is sufficient, a bus may be arranged to transport cyclists back to Tonbridge.

Crab and Winkle Way Ride 1 – return ride 10.15am

14 miles l 4 hours l Moderate

A terrific, mainly traffic-free ride between Canterbury and Whitstable. There are short, challenging off-road climbs but it’s a great day out for families and friends with many interesting diversions along the way. 49% on-road, 51% off-road, suitable for mountain bikes. Free cycle hire is available on this ride from Kent Cycle Hire.

Oyster Bay Trail Ride 2 - return ride 1.45pm

12.4 miles l 3 hours l Easy

A seaside promenade ride with views across the Thames Estuary. A pub at the start and a bandstand in Herne Bay offer refreshment. 36% on-road, 64% off road with one small hill, suitable for all bikes. From Reculver Towers, where the visitor centre is worth a visit, you can ride independently east to Minnis Bay, along the flat seawall.

Wednesday, June 6

Great Stour Way Ride 1 - return ride 6.45pm

6 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

The Great Stour Way, a three mile surfaced shared use path between Canterbury and Chartham running alongside the river, opened last May. The path is part of the National Cycle Network Route 18, and is a gateway to the Stour Valley and to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There will be a possible brief stop at the Artichoke Inn in Chartham. 100% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Thursday, June 7

Perry Woods – circular 10.45am

10.3 miles l 2.5 hours l Strenuous

A lovely, circular route exploring one of Kent’s most picturesque landscapes. Perry Wood nestles in the chalk slopes of the North Downs in the heart of the county. 41% on-road, 59% off-road, suitable for mountain bikes.

Sheerness Way Ride 1 – circular 6.15pm

5.6 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

A cycling experience all ages are likely to enjoy. The route follows a large earth embankment to the south and east of Sheerness called Queenborough Lines. It was originally constructed in the 19th century to protect Sheerness Naval Dockyard. 13% on-road, 87% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Friday, June 8

Viking Coastal Trail, Margate via Reculver – return ride 10.15am

17.2 miles l 4 hours l Moderate

See ride for Sunday, June 3.

Saturday, June 9

Royal Military Canal Ride 2 – circular 10am

4 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

Cycle along the banks of the historic canal, taking in the memorable scenery of Romney Marsh. 100% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Isle of Harty Trail Ride 2 – circular 10am

5.9 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

A real breath of fresh sea air and plenty of opportunities to study the many birds and plants that flourish along this coastal route on Sheppey. 52% on-road, 48% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Isle of Harty Trail Ride 1 – circular 6.15pm

5.9 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

See above.

Sunday, June 10

Sheerness Way Ride 2 – circular 10am

5.6 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

A ride all ages and abilities are likely to enjoy. The route follows a large earth embankment to the south and east of Sheerness called Queenborough Lines. It was originally constructed in the 19th century to protect Sheerness Dockyard. 13% on-road, 87% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Crab and Winkle Way Ride 2 – linear 10.15am

7 miles l 2 hours l Moderate

See ride for Tuesday, June 5.

Ashford via Appledore – return ride 10am

26 miles l 5 hours l Strenuous

A taste of the Wealden Cycle trail that runs from Tunbridge Wells to Ashford. An undulating route along country lanes through the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stops at Appledore and Tenterden. 86% on-road, 4% off-road, suitable for all bikes.

Great Stour Way Ride 2 – return ride 11.15am

6 miles l 1.5 hours l Easy

See ride for Wednesday, June 6.

Spokes Bike Ride – Canterbury circular 10am

38 miles l 6.5 hours l Strenuous

Following National Cycle Route 1 from Canterbury to Sandwich enjoy rolling countryside and pretty villages. Riders can take in the World Human Powered Vehicle Championship in Fowlmead Country Park at Sholden before making the return journey along country lanes and Regional Cycle Route 16. Suitable for all bikes.

Spokes Bike Ride, Sandwich to Fowlmead – return ride 12pm

17 miles l 2.5 hours l Easy

A family friendly ride. Riders can take in the World Human Powered Vehicle Championship in Fowlmead Country Park at Sholden before making the return journey. Suitable for all bikes.

All the Explore Kent Bike Week routes are listed atwww.kent.gov.uk/explorekent and can be booked online or by calling 08458 247 600.