Activ Gravel Roman Roads and Coal Mines
Sat 16 Aug 2025 Folkestone, Kent, UK

Activ Gravel Roman Roads and Coal Mines

A fascinating ride through Roman history and Kent's coal mining past with stunning views across the channel before striking inland through the valleys and woods of East Kent.

  • Sat 16 Aug 2025
Activ Cycles Folkestone, Folkestone

Activ Gravel Roman Roads and Coal Mines

09:00

Age 18 & over

£30

  • 80 km gravel riding
  • Enter online
  • Event village
  • Hilly
  • Newcomers

Event overview

A fascinating ride through Roman history and Kent's coal mining past with stunning views across the channel before striking inland through the valleys and woods of East Kent.

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Starting from Activ Cycles in Folkestone, you'll quickly find yourself in White Cliffs country, heading across the cliff tops to Dover. Look right, and with luck, you might glimpse Calais!

Join the old Roman road heading north towards Betteshanger, Tilmanstone, and Shepherdswell, once coal mining centres of the now-defunct Kent Coalfield.

Leave the industrial past behind and journey across the quiet countryside on a labyrinth of bridleways that crisscross the Downs, heading towards the famous Roman Stone Street.

Follow the beach path back into Folkestone, perhaps taking a quick dip to cool off before finishing at the Folkestone Activ Cycles store.

A well-stocked feed station awaits you midway, staffed with an Activ Cycles mechanic to assist with any bike maintenance needs.

Overview

  • 50 miles/80km
  • 3400ft/1050m climb
  • 55% off-road

Highlights

  • A mix of car-free trails, bridleways, and byways seamlessly connected by quiet country lanes
  • Ride through quiet villages, woodland and orchards 
  • Recharge at the generously stocked feed station at the halfway point
  • Assistance from the expert mechanics at Activ Cycles and the start and midway feed station
  • Suitable for MTB, gravel, cyclocross bikes and off-road e-bikes

Event photos

  • Average fitness
  • Event village
  • Newcomers

Ability level

Grading 'moderate' verging on 'challenging'.

Ssuitable for those who ride fairly frequently and have some experience riding off-road. 

Event HQ

Activ Cycles Folkestone
145 Sandgate Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 2DA
UK

Map /// glorified.tidying.incurring

  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Hilly
  • Mostly traffic free
  • Single start

Route

  • Starting from Activ Cycles in Folkestone, you'll quickly find yourself in White Cliffs country, heading across the cliff tops to Dover. Look right, and with luck, you might glimpse Calais!
  • Join the old Roman road heading north towards Betteshanger, Tilmanstone, and Shepherdswell, once coal mining centres of the now-defunct Kent Coalfield.
  • Leave the industrial past behind and journey across the quiet countryside on a labyrinth of bridleways that crisscross the Downs, heading towards the famous Roman Stone Street.
  • Follow the beach path back into Folkestone, perhaps taking a quick dip to cool off before finishing at the Folkestone Activ Cycles store.
  • A well-stocked feed station awaits you midway, staffed with an Activ Cycles mechanic to assist with any bike maintenance needs.

Map

map

  • Map

Included

  • Coffee to get you going
  • The GPX route
  • Guide/pace rider
  • Planned feed stop mid-way
  • Activ Cycles pre-ride fettling
  • Basic trail side repairs

  • Age 18 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Entry fees

Entry fee

£30.00