Discover Medway by Bike

Medway has more than 70 miles (110km) of on-road, off-road, national and green cycle routes. It is the perfect way to discover some of our most beautiful landscapes and popular destinations.

Cycling, whether it’s a day-to-day activity, or an occasional adventure, is a great way to help keep people of all ages healthy. There is strong evidence that the benefits of cycling outweigh any risks.

Cycling is something that is really so simple. All you need is a roadworthy bike and some basic safety gear and then it takes just a little bit of practice.

If you don't want to explore alone, Medway Council's public health team organises led rides for adult riders across Medway.

For younger riders, Medway also has a BMX pump track, located at Queen Elizabeth Fields in Gillingham.

To find out more on Medway Cycle Routes, visit this link .

The Heron Trail

Ride the Heron Trail One of the best ways to enjoy Medway’s natural assets is on two wheels. The Heron Trail is a 15-mile circular road route on the Hoo Peninsula that takes its name from the Northward Hill Reserve.

The trail explores the Peninsula, with its literary connections – Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations and a Tale of Two Cities here – rich maritime heritage and wide variety of bird life.

Starting points can be anywhere along the route, but Higham Station is a convenient location from which to start your ride. Further highlights of the trail are the many forts and castles that line the route.

They include Cliffe Fort, which was built in 1800 as part of the defence system guarding the Thames, Cooling Castle and Upnor Castle, set on the banks of the River Medway and constructed as a gun fort on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I to defend her warships at anchor.

Medway Cycle Routes

If you want to venture around Medway's urban and rural areas to explore, visit, or just get in some exercise, then there are a selection of routes you can take.

For more information and to download cycle routes and networks in Medway, click here.

Ride the Heron Trail - Circular Cycle Route

Bike Hire, Servicing and Accessories

Cycle Hub Medway

For bike hire, repairs and servicing, the Cycle Hub Medway offers free collection and delivery services across Medway. Visit the website for details.

Halfords Chatham

Call into Halfords Chatham for bike repairs, servicing, and the purchase of new bicycles and accessories. Visit the website for details.

Top Things to See & Do

Fenn Bell Zoo & Pub

If you enjoy wildlife and nature, a visit to Fenn Bell Zoo is a must. Medway's first licensed zoo provides homes for rescued animals. The zoo also has a pub attached to it that serves a range of hot and cold food, snacks, and drinks.

Fort Slough and RSPB Nature Reserves

The fort was constructed in 1867 to protect a vulnerable section of the River Thames. It was used right up until the First World War as a command post. When exploring the rural North Kent Marshes, it is worth paying a visit to the RSPB nature reserves at Northward Hill and Cliffe Pools. It's the place to watch plenty of birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.