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North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 1 Nov 2021, 4:33pm
by MartinS
Hi, when limited by first lock down I took to exploring local byeways including the North Downs Way. I note that Aug/Sept issue of "Cycle" this was described as a one of Cycling UK's riders routes. Can any one tell me how I get a copy of this route because I have only managed to find, unlinked, sections?
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 1 Nov 2021, 6:10pm
by AndyK
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 1 Nov 2021, 7:48pm
by Grandad
Will there be written versions for the non-gps geriatrics who might be interested in riding part(s) of the route?
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 1 Nov 2021, 8:50pm
by gaz
One day I'll get around to understanding the benefits of gpx. Until then the black line on this
google map is the best alternative I've come across.
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 1 Nov 2021, 11:53pm
by AndyK
Grandad wrote: ↑1 Nov 2021, 7:48pm
Will there be written versions for the non-gps geriatrics who might be interested in riding part(s) of the route?
If you mean written descriptions of each segment of the route then yes, all linked to from the page I referenced above.
If you mean a detailed paper guide and map of the route, I would imagine that if/when the cyclable variant becomes officially recognised by National Trails, the usual suspects like Harveys and Cicerone will produce map-guides for it.
Meanwhile you could always buy a paper map of the official walking route then study the online cycle map alongside it, play "spot the difference", and mark the deviations from the walking route on the paper map. That should while away the long winter evenings nicely.
In fact, here's an interactive map I've just created that makes the job easier by comparing the different routes for you. (It was created by loading the relevant GPX files into MapHub.net, a job that took me less than five minutes. Handy things, GPX files.) Riders' routes in red and orange, official walking routes in green and blue.
https://maphub.net/andyk/north-downs-wa ... kers-route
So now all you need are a paper map of the national trail and a highlighter pen.
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 12:10am
by Grandad
Many thanks Andy. Sometimes I wish that I could be a bit more computer literate
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 4:18pm
by MartinS
gaz wrote: ↑1 Nov 2021, 8:50pm
One day I'll get around to understanding the benefits of gpx. Until then the black line on this
google map is the best alternative I've come across.
Thanks - as an ancient person I can't say I know what a "GPX" is! Your annotation of google maps is clear but the section around Boxley does not appear to follow the sign posted bridle way which is at the top of the downs rather than along the Pilgrims way at the base of the downs.
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 4:27pm
by MartinS
AndyK wrote: ↑1 Nov 2021, 11:53pm
Grandad wrote: ↑1 Nov 2021, 7:48pm
Will there be written versions for the non-gps geriatrics who might be interested in riding part(s) of the route?
If you mean written descriptions of each segment of the route then yes, all linked to from the page I referenced above.
If you mean a detailed paper guide and map of the route, I would imagine that if/when the cyclable variant becomes officially recognised by National Trails, the usual suspects like Harveys and Cicerone will produce map-guides for it.
Meanwhile you could always buy a paper map of the official walking route then study the online cycle map alongside it, play "spot the difference", and mark the deviations from the walking route on the paper map. That should while away the long winter evenings nicely.
In fact, here's an interactive map I've just created that makes the job easier by comparing the different routes for you. (It was created by loading the relevant GPX files into MapHub.net, a job that took me less than five minutes. Handy things, GPX files.) Riders' routes in red and orange, official walking routes in green and blue.
https://maphub.net/andyk/north-downs-wa ... kers-route
So now all you need are a paper map of the national trail and a highlighter pen.
Thanks Andy, next time out I will give it another try as I think by following the signs and the "apparent" byeway I probably used the odd footpath! From the route the cycle "North Downs Way" appears to follow the Pilgrims Way with the odd climb to the top of the downs for no apparent reason.
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 4:50pm
by Grandad
From the route the cycle "North Downs Way" appears to follow the Pilgrims Way with the odd climb to the top of the downs for no apparent reason.
Yes, I thought there are a few extra hills around that part of the route
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 7:41pm
by MartinS
Hi, whilst the hills are perfectly rideable, even for an ancient person like myself, I would advise that Boxley Hill is not attempted unless on Sunday as it is the main, narrow, route, including buses from Maidstone to Gillingham with blind bends all of which make it very unfriendly if not positively dangerous for cyclists going up it (down is ok). The answer at this point is to stick to Pilgrims way at base of downs as most of the route seems to do and this section has very light traffic.
Martin - ancient cyclist
Re: North Downs Way riders route
Posted: 2 Nov 2021, 9:46pm
by gaz
MartinS wrote: ↑2 Nov 2021, 4:27pmFrom the route the cycle "North Downs Way" appears to follow the Pilgrims Way with the odd climb to the top of the downs for no apparent reason.
AFAICT there are two reasons for the climbs:-
1. It's intended to be an off-road route, the additional climbs minimise the on-road sections.
2. Because they're there
.