Art-deco Southern Railway bridge carrying the old Thanet Way
Crab & Winkle Line Cycle Track
Storage pond for second winding engine - now a picnic area
Art-deco Southern Railway bridge carrying the old Thanet Way |
Crab & Winkle Line Cycle Track |
Storage pond for second winding engine - now a picnic area |
In 1999 Canterbury City Council designated the whole line a Conservation Area. The need for a cycle route between the two towns had been recognised for sometime but it was not until 1997 that real planning got underway. The construction of the route took place in 1999 and it was formally launched by Richard King, Chairman of Kent County Council Transport Operations Board, on Sunday October 3rd 1999 at the Winding Pond. Approximately 400 people attended the event. The 'Way' uses about one third of the old railway line, although with the agreement of local landowners and support of local organisations it is hoped that more of the line can be brought into use. It is part of Route 1 (Inverness to Dover) of the National Cycle Network being developed by Sustrans and its partner organisations. Because of gradients and the short road sections the route is generally not suitable for wheelchair users, however, the improved path surface has made access easier for less mobile people.
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at elliottsimpson@hotmail.com
Nov 2005