GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Viking Coastal Trail

31.94 miles (51.4 km)

This signed circular route takes you on a tour of some of Kent's most beautiful coastline and interesting seaside towns. The route begins at Birchington and visits Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Minster and Reculver. Most of the route takes place on traffic free paths many of which run directly along the coastline.
Route highlights include two splendid coastal country parks. First is the delightful Pegwell Bay Country Park with splendid views over Pegwell Bay and Sandwich Bay. Next is Reculver Country Park, which has magnificent cliff top views over Herne Bay and a wide variety of wildlife and plantlife to see. Other highlights include the beautiful Botany Bay, Broadstairs beach and the impressive Ramsgate harbour.

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Viking Coastal Trail OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Viking Coastal Trail Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate is a nice place to visit on the route. It's free to enter and located right on the sea front. Founded to celebrate JMW Turner’s connection to Margate in 2001, the David Chipperfield designed gallery opened in 2011. There's a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and wide windows showcasing the views that inspired painter J. M. W. Turner. The artist went to school in Margate, and visited the town throughout his life. The gallery also houses a nice cafe which is a good spot for refreshments after your exercise.

Photos

Thanet Viking Coastal Trail - geograph.org.uk - 1931342

Thanet Viking Coastal Trail

Viking Coastal Trail at Beresford Gap - geograph.org.uk - 1035486

Viking Coastal Trail at Beresford Gap. The trail follows sea wall promenade, west to Minnis Bay and then Reculver, or east to Epple Bay and then on cliffside to Margate.

Along Sea Wall Promenade, near Greenham Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1035508

Along Sea Wall Promenade, near Greenham Bay. Looking Southwest, towards Minnis Bay along Viking Coastal Trail. Reculver Castle can just be seen on far right of photo.

Pegwell Bay looking towards Pegwell village - geograph.org.uk - 681981

Pegwell Bay looking towards Pegwell village

Off-road cycle track at Pegwell Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1600506

Off-road cycle track at Pegwell Bay

Hands & Molecule Sculpture - geograph.org.uk - 1938390

Hands & Molecule Sculpture, designed by David Barnes, and commissioned by Pfizer. The sculpture was unveiled in 2000 to mark the opening of the National Cycle Network (Route 15) in Thanet. Situated on the West Cliff Ramsgate, overlooking Pegwell Bay; with the now disused Richborough Power Station on the other side of the bay. Near to Ramsgate, Kent, Great Britain.

Rip rap in front of St Mary's Church, Reculver - geograph.org.uk - 1470748

Rip rap in front of St Mary's Church, Reculver

Sea stack, Botany Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1475550

Sea stack, Botany Bay

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Viking Coastal Path.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Viking Coastal Path.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)