touring advice please.

[luckyskull76]

Hello all,
I am looking to go on a touring holiday next month. I am setting off from London, heading east to Kent, then want to continue along the coast. destination unknown. I would really like to avoid cars and main roads. sticking to canal paths, forests(with paths or dirt track) diss-used railway tracks(that are not totally over grown), quiet-ways and coastal trails......if anyone has a routes they have used in the past it would be great to get your advice.

The aim is to be in nature, by the sea and experience the beauty of the English country side. I am open to all suggestions advice and even going the opposite direction if it will have less cars.



Thank you in advance for your advice.
Luke

 

[hamster]

Have a look at the Sustrans website - while their routes are by no means perfect, they can give good ideas.
One good route is the North Downs Way which is bridlepath and nicely cyclable.
The South Downs way is gorgeous in good weather, but tough if heavily loaded with camping gear.

I would also have a look at Hampshire / Dorset - there are a lot more routes and the coastline is less built up.

 

[luckyskull76]

thank you hamster, will have a look now. my bike can take some off roading.....we shall see.

 

[hamster]

I would take the train out of Waterloo to Ashurst New Forest, then spend a day of two in the New Forest, then along to Poole, cross the Studland Ferry into Purbeck - two or so days in Purbeck / Swanage then a leisurely ride up the coast via Wearham and Dorchester to Weymouth. Either head on the train back to London or carry on to Exeter along the coast and train home.

This route you can vary by the amount of off-road or quiet lanes.