TR1260 : Crab & Winkle Way near Blean
taken 10 years ago, near to Blean, Kent, England
The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link (Sustainable Transport), aided by a National Lottery grant.
Many routes aim to minimise contact with motor traffic, though 70% of them are on roads. In some cases the NCN uses pedestrian routes, disused railways, minor roads, canal towpaths, or traffic-calmed routes in towns and cities.
National Route 1 of the National Cycle Network is a long distance cycle route connecting Dover and the Shetland Islands mainly via the east coast of England and Scotland. The route is all signed and open except between London and Woodbridge (in Suffolk) and between Whitby and Staithes (in Yorkshire).
This is the disused and dismantled railway between Canterbury and Whitstable. Whitstable was a growing port, seven miles north of Canterbury City. Railway construction began in 1828 with George Stephenson as the engineer. The line finally opened on 3 May 1830, with a single track throughout and passing loops at Clowes Wood and the entrance to Tyler Hill tunnel. The line was never prosperous. At the turn of the century work started on building a spur line at Whitstable to connect with the Herne Bay to Faversham line and a bay platform at Whitstable & Tankerton station but the work was never completed. In the early 1900s halts were built at Blean & Tyler Hill, South Street and Tankerton. The line closed on 1st December 1952, albeit with a short reprieve during the floods of February 1953, soon after the track was dismantled.
For more details see Link. See also Link about the cycle path on the old line.