“Viking coastal trail? Sounds like a beast of a ride…” My tone conveys the trepidation I feel. Will’s suggestion certainly does not sound like what I had in mind when proposing we grab our bikes and take a daytrip to the Kent coast.

What would you picture?

My mind had conjured up visions of a leisurely day of cycling: enjoying scenic coastal views, admiring cute beach huts, stopping for fish and chips on the seafront. Can you see it too?

But this business of a Viking trail sounds suspiciously distinct from the idyllic “exploring the Isle of Thanet” itinerary that I’d envisioned; incoming signals are giving me sweaty vibes and a fierce exertion requirement.  (These aren’t random thoughts… the UK’s largest off-road cycling event is called “The Viking Challenge” – but that’s in Nottinghamshire.)

What I would soon learn, however, is that while the Thanet cycling path is named after one of the most feared invaders in British history, there was nothing to be wary of.

The most intimidating aspect of the Viking Coastal Trail is simply its name.

What is the Viking Coastal Trail?

Viking Coastal Trail is a path that runs for 32 miles along the exquisite chalk coast of the Isle of Thanet and partially inland through pretty villages of east Kent.

Most of this Thanet coastal path is flat which makes it very inclusive; walkers and cyclists of all levels can do this.

For those planning this trip to the Kent coast, much of the area is very family-friendly and dog-friendly. Toilet facilities and cafes appearing frequently, typically by the Blue Flag beaches on the route.

The circular route can be covered by bike in a day, looping around from Reculver to Pegwell Bay.

However, for walkers or the amateur/leisure cyclist, I recommend splitting it up. Give yourself time to revel in the bliss of traversing across the White Cliffs.

Is the Viking Coastal Trail sign-posted?

There is excellent signage along the route, courtesy of the National Cycle Network. Their blue signposts will lead you across a car-free cycling path for most of those 32 miles.

Well-signposted and traffic-free! It is little wonder that this Viking Coastal Trail is one of the best places to go bike riding in Kent.

We decide to make a weekend of it.

Where is the starting point for the Viking Coastal Trail?

It’s time to set off on one of the best coastal trails in Kent. But there’s one thing to figure out first…

“Where should we start on the Viking Coastal Trail?”

Realistically, with over 32 miles of trail to choose from, we can start from anywhere on the route that loops around the Isle of Thanet.

Within moments of arriving in the town of Margate, a snap decision is made: the inaugural segment of our Viking coastal trail experience kicks off here: along the white cliffs of Margate.

The plan is: start in Margate, finish in Broadstairs.

Finding street parking in Margate proves to be an easy feat – our base is the Cliftonville Oval Bandstand on Queen’s Promenade.

How to get to Margate from London by train

Excellent public transport links exist between London and Margate. Southeastern trains run between London St. Pancras or London Victoria and Margate.

From the Margate train station, it is a 30 minute walk to the Cliftonville Oval Bandstand on Queen’s Promenade.

Starting point of Viking Coastal Trail: Margate

For a first-time visitor to Margate, Walpole Bay in Cliftonville strikes me as a good place to start the ride – from both a logistical and touristic perspective.

We mount our bikes and easily manage to merge on to the seafront promenade.

Queen’s Promenade has a broad perimeter, easily accommodating both walkers and cyclists. There is no vying for space to navigate; absent are foot traffic vs. bike traffic tensions.

Cliftonville is also a good base for getting a feel for the historic character of Margate. If I’m being brutally honest, it feels like we’ve stepped into the set of a beautiful tragedy.

To one side a gorgeous coastline beckons – it is a refreshing sight. A glance to the town on the other side, however, is another story.

My eyes absorb telltale signs of former grandeur. Lining the streets are magnificent but slightly dilapidated structures. Regardless, Margate’s architectural heritage is unmistakable. The town has been going thru a transformation in recent years.

Historical clues start to pop up as we embark on our ride, and we begin to get a glimpse into the town’s past.

Also read: Discovering the Idyllic Fishing Village of Staithes

Viking Coastal Trail: Walpole Bay to Palm Bay

The first stretch of the ride takes us from Walpole Bay to Palm Bay in Margate. As we cruise down the path, the onslaught of ocean breezes whips my mental gears into glorious overdrive; beautiful Euphoria embraces me tightly.

The elements of the great British outdoors combine: chalk, grass, wind. I feel so alive.

Highlight on Viking Coastal Trail: Botany Bay

As we approach Botany Bay, a pair of rock formations enter the frame, stealing our attention away from the marvel of chalk cliffs tumbling across the beachscape.

The chalk stacks of Botany Bay are a magical creation on the coast of Kent. These rocks are the geological result of severe wave erosion.

The effect is a far cry from devastation. To the contrary, it is devastatingly beautiful.

Botany Bay is definitely one of the prettiest beaches in Kent.

Viking Coastal Trail: Botany Bay to Kingsgate Bay

Visions of white splash before our eyes as we contemplate the trail ahead. The cliffs lead us onward, their chalky bodies gracefully sweeping across the coast.

Ahead, we notice a new bay, much more secluded-looking than the others we’ve encountered. This is Kingsgate Bay.

The real eye-catcher, however, is a structure that sprawls across the clifftop and presides over the bay. We don’t know it yet, but we are gazing at Kingsgate Castle.

Kingsgate Castle commands the landscape, as well as our attention – though we are miles away, across the bay.

Viking Coastal Trail: break in North Foreland

The path narrows and becomes more pedestrian-friendly than bike-and-pedestrian-friendly. Crawling at snail’s pace, we pass the green of North Foreland Golf Club and a wonderful-looking pub establishment comes into view: Captain Digby.

As far as pints and Pimms go, the crowd will surely follow this captain’s orders for Captain Digby’s strategic clifftop position is a winner. With its impressive views of Kingsgate Bay, it strikes me as one of the most scenic pubs in Kent. A perfect place to break for refreshments.

Two cyclists have stopped to do just this. As we pass and give a friendly wave, a stray golf ball whizzes pass us and narrowly misses one guy’s head as he bends to bite his wrap.  Holy moly!

Alarmed, Will and I lock eyes. Time to move on.

Viking Coastal Trail: surf’s up at Joss Bay

From Captain Digby, the Thanet coastal path meets the road and we must climb the gentle incline of North Foreland Hill. It’s the first minor exertion of the day. I ambitiously start up before giving the effort a “bah humbug!” Lady Leisure, my loyalty is with you today.

The hill summit produces a uniquely diverse view – farm crops, cloudscape, a brilliantly-placed pub, and a popular surfer’s haunt, Joss Bay.

Who knew a plethora of cabbage paired so well with sea cliffs?

Fun fact: Joss Bay is named after Joss Snelling who gained his notoriety in the 18th century as “the famous Broadstairs smuggler”.

Cycling the Viking Coastal Trail: Stone Bay

The most uneventful segment of the Viking coastal ride proves to be the stretch across Stone Bay which sits between Joss Bay and Viking Bay in Broadstairs.

National Cycling Network signposts lead us through an affluent suburb which hugs the coastline. (I later realize that, unfortunately, we missed seeing the North Foreland Lighthouse by taking this turn.)

We cruise along the Eastern Esplanade, paying less attention to cliff views and greater interest inland, to the distinctive gated residences. The homes seem to be in a friendly design competition, each trying to best her neighbour in architectural splendour.

Despite the close proximity to the bustling Joss Bay and Viking Bay, Stone Bay is remarkably low-key by comparison. This is exactly what makes it a popular beach spot for local residents.

We power along and make swift progress to the next stop: Viking Bay.

Viking Coastal Trail: ending point at Broadstairs’ livliest beachfront

As we roll into Viking Bay, it immediately registers that we have just landed in the most popular section of Broadstairs. It’s not difficult to see why.

Admittedly, I’m taken by surprise. When I reference my mental catalogue of British charms, it does not produce images of beautiful seafronts like that of Broadstairs Beach at Viking Bay. What a pleasant discovery.

There’s a happy buzz in the air here. Lingering is a must.

“What is it that brings so much character to the town of Broadstairs?” I wonder.

We intend to uncover that answer today. Viking Bay will be our ending point. Margate to Broadstairs on the Viking Coastal Trail complete!

Next up, Broadstairs to Ramsgate.

Also read: Unseen London: Canal Cruise and Rare Views on GoBoat