Betteshanger Park MTB Trails

Betteshanger Park MTB Trails, Kent sit within a 250 acre country park near Deal, on the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery. The mountain bike network is reopening in phases: an 8km waymarked Blue Route is currently open to families, beginner and intermediate riders, with a more technical Red Route closed while trail assessments continue. The wider park adds a traffic free tarmac cycling circuit, the Kent Mining Museum, a junior parkrun and a full calendar of outdoor activities.

The Trails

• Blue Route (open): approximately 8km of waymarked route through mixed woodland and reclaimed colliery ground, with generally moderate gradients. Suitable for families, beginner and intermediate riders, and currently the only trail open as the network reopens in phases.
• Red Route (closed, under assessment): a more technical option for confident riders, part of a wider network that runs to around 11km once fully reopened. No reopening date has been announced, so check the park's closures page if you're planning to ride it.

Local Organisation

Trail management at Betteshanger is now handled by The Betteshanger Bike Project, a community focused organisation developing, maintaining and growing cycling opportunities at the park. Check the park's track and park closures page before you travel, since the tarmac circuit and MTB trails can both be booked out for events.

Facilities

• Visitor centre with reception
• The Lamp Room bar and restaurant, open Wednesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays
• Kent Mining Museum, open Wednesday to Sunday
• Approximately 3.5km traffic free tarmac cycling circuit
• Bike hire with CYTECH qualified mechanics for repairs and servicing, Wednesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays
• Toilets, including three accessible toilets
• Large on site car park with pay on exit charging
• Children's play areas

Beyond the Trails

Betteshanger's 250 acres cover far more than the bike network. A free junior parkrun sets off every Sunday at 9am, a timed 2km route open to ages 4 to 14. Elsewhere in the park you'll find target and battle zone archery, axe throwing, fossil hunting on the old colliery spoil heaps, orienteering, geocaching and the Boonies assault course for something more physical. The Kent Mining Museum tells the story of the site's colliery years, and camping areas are available for those wanting to make a weekend of it. Note that swimming, paddling and boating are not permitted on the park's lake. See the Betteshanger Park website for the current events calendar and activity bookings.

Getting Here

• Main car park: Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Sholden, Deal, Kent, CT14 0BF. Signed entrance directly off the A258 between Deal and Sandwich. Pay on exit.
• Public transport: mainline rail runs to Deal and Sandwich, with local bus services operating along the A258 near the park.

Share

• If you have visited Betteshanger Park, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.