F

ive minutes after leaving the luxurious Pond Cottage you find yourself cycling through an enchanting wood, like something straight out of a Lewis Carroll story.

Bluebells carpet the floor, blackbirds scratch about in the leaf-litter and squirrels leap across the road in front of you. With all this magical scenery around, you might think it couldn’t get much better – but trust me, it does. There’s a pub!

Aside from serving delicious local ales and lip smacking vino, the Rose & Crown ; 01227 752214) is surrounded by woodland walks, so if you fancy a quick stroll get the owners Vanessa and Tim to recommend a route.

Once back in the saddle, you cruise past yellow rape flower fields that lead through Sheldwich and on to Painters Forstall – where you could call in for a quick tour of the cider orchard at Pawley Farm .

From here it’s on to Faversham – a foodie’s dream come true where the medieval marketplace is lined with teashops, restaurants and olde worlde pubs – before cruising the last few miles back to Pond Cottage. Time for a soak in the hot tub, surely?

Distance
16.5 miles approx.

Stop and see
At Pawley Farm (01795 532043) the Macey family have been making traditional cider for decades. Stop for a tour or a tasting – or simply admire the apple blossom.

Eat, drink, sleep
The Purple Peach (01795 537927). This colourful corner café in Faversham serves cream teas, homemade pies, yummy sandwiches and more.

Rent a bicycle
Downland Cycles (01227 479643).

This route and over 50 others feature in a book entitled Matt Carroll’s Escape Routes , a hand-picked selection of stunning cycle rides around England. Published by Punk, priced £16.95.