The Heron Trail

From Orpington Station we will head out on country lanes to Gravesend, via New Barn Park, Swanley Village and Betsham. Here we will take a quick look at the Sikh Temple at Gravesend, before stopping for our morning coffee and cake at the Promenade Cafe at Gravesend. Then it's a few miles of traffic free paths (this is on gravel and may be muddy after rain) while we cycle to Lower Higham to commence the 20 mile circular Heron Trail, so called because we pass by the RSPB site where there are pairs of breeding herons. The ride will take us to Cliffe, Cooling Castle (the home of Jools Holland) we shall stop at St James' Church and look at the children's graves as mentioned as lozenges by Charles Dickens in 'Great Expectations' and then ride around the Hoo peninsula. Then it's back to Gravesend, more coffee and cake if the cafe is still open, from here we will head back to Orpington, time permitting we may stop at The Lamb, Swanley Village for some more refreshments. This will be an all day ride. We do not touch the Kent mega-hills but this is quite a hilly ride nonetheless. YOU WILL REQUIRE LIGHTS, although we are hoping we shall be back home before dark but please remember you may have an onward journey from Orpington Station. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A SPARE INNER TUBE WHICH FITS YOUR TYRE SIZE. Total distance around 55 miles. Ride leaders Eve Evans/John Wood - pace relaxed - several hills. Contact [email protected]