Running between Canterbury and Chartham this 3 mile long traffic free multi-user route following National Cycle Route 18 provides a beautiful and tranquil journey along the banks of the River Stour. Enjoy cycling through heritage sites like Milton church whilst passing across the river and through marshes and meadows enjoying river views, Kingfishers and other wildlife if you’re lucky!
The Great Stour Way was opened on May 21st 2011. It is a three mile surfaced shared use path between Canterbury and Chartham running alongside the river. The path is part of the National Cycle Network, route 18, and for people from Canterbury it’s a gateway to the Stour Valley and to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Seats have been installed along the path and an impressive picnic table with carved river wildlife by the old Elham Valley Railway embankment. Because livestock is present along the path there are a number of cattle grids and wooden kissing gates. The cattle grids allow cyclists to pass over whilst the kissing gates have been designed for large mobility vehicles.
The main funders of the scheme were Kent County Council, Sustrans through the Links to Schools Programme, and Brett Environment Trust.
Cyclists please slow down when approaching walkers. Walkers please be aware that cyclists may sound their bell or call out in order to warn you that they are approaching.
