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Can anyone help me with some local knowledge of these trails?
Years ago, like in 2010, I used to meet some friends at Jade's Crossing, Detling, and we'd ride up a steep bridleway on the West side of the main road then along the top of the Downs. There were about 3 runs off to the left iirc.
Sometimes we'd head off towards the river on longer, more gradual trails.
That's about the sum of my knowledge.
Tbh, these days I'm more interested in searching out brutal climbs than bombing descents so was wondering if any of you could point me in the direction of some? Gpx files are awesome but even just a few pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
I'm guessing you mean the climb past the quarry, there are lots of steep trails at the top off of the NDW.
The nastiest climbs around would be the bridleway section of Bell Lane starting from Warren Lane just off of the A229.
The other one would be the climb alongside Trail Wars, from the Pilgrims way back up to the NDW
There are a few fairly steep climbs you could try.
I have limited internet capability today, so can’t really post up any route guides, but you could ride from Lower Warren Rd, up to the top (the climb goes past a segment on strava laughably called “Best Singletrack in the World”). That’s quite steep and loose in places, so is a bit of a challenge. (EDIT - the think this is the same route Leegee mentions in the above post)
Alternatively, on the west side of bluebell hill, there are several steep climbs that go up to Common Road.
Another alternative, once you are up the top, is follow Common Road most of the way down, then where it bends to the left keep going straight down towards the m2. When you reach the road that runs parallel with the m2 go right and head back up towards the Robin Hood pub. It’s not particularly steep, but does seem to drag on forever.
Been out this evening and will add the strava segment called Pylon climb on the pilgrims way about 200m from the hairpin at the bottom of Boxley hill.
Thanks. I'll get on ridewithgps and try plot a route incorporating those climbs. Need some variety on my riding. My local hills are between Toys Hill and Ightham. It's actually the Greensand ridge rather than the Downs. There's bugger all on my section of the chalk ridge.
Some of the paths through the woods between Detling and Boxley should be rideable going up. There’s one just before Lidsing Rd that’s more open than the others, also further along in Boxley Warren.
Last time I was up at the “best singletrack” last summer they’d felled trees along the entire length to block it, so no idea if there’s anything to ride there now.
East of Detling the pilgrims way goes off road past Hollingbourne and there’s some more bridleway climbs but not much in the way of singletrack that I know of.
@kelron
AFAIK it was the singletrack in Westfield Sole woods that was sadly massacred by the farmer last summer.
Best Singletrack can be done in reverse but just be mindful of riders coming the other way 😉 If you venture the other side of Bluebell Hill the Common Road from theM2 side is a good long drag and there is also a footpath along the side of the Robin Hood pub. Opposite that one is a nasty drag up from Burham.