Kent Tourist Guide - Articles
Crab and Winkle Way
The 'Crab and Winkle Way' takes its name from the railway line which ran between Whitstable and Canterbury from 3rd May 1830 until it closed in 1952.
The line was, as recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, the 'first regular steam passenger railway in the world'. On the opening day the locomotive 'Invicta', like the line, engineered by George Stephenson and his son Robert, pulled into the platform near Whitstable harbour with almost 300 happy and excited passengers who made the journey from Canterbury.
Passengers continued to be carried until around 1931 when the line was used for goods services only. After a brief respite for a few weeks in 1953, following the great floods which closed the main coastal line, it was closed for good.
The Canterbury City Council designated the line a Conservation area in 1999 and a cycle route, long discussed and needed, was constructed and formally opened on 3rd October 1999.
The 'Way' covers about a third of the old railway line although it is hoped that more can be bought into use after agreement is sought from local landowners.
A bike ride along the 'Way' is a pleasurable experience passing fine woodland and nature in all its glory. There are other interesting views along the journey including the church of St Cosmus and St Damian in the Blean built around 1230.
For more information on the Crab and Winkle Way such as Maps, cycle hire etc contact the local tourist information offices in Canterbury and Whitstable
Crab and Winkle Way
Kent Tourist Information centres
Canterbury
Whitstable
Tourist Information
The line was, as recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, the 'first regular steam passenger railway in the world'. On the opening day the locomotive 'Invicta', like the line, engineered by George Stephenson and his son Robert, pulled into the platform near Whitstable harbour with almost 300 happy and excited passengers who made the journey from Canterbury.
Passengers continued to be carried until around 1931 when the line was used for goods services only. After a brief respite for a few weeks in 1953, following the great floods which closed the main coastal line, it was closed for good.
The Canterbury City Council designated the line a Conservation area in 1999 and a cycle route, long discussed and needed, was constructed and formally opened on 3rd October 1999.
The 'Way' covers about a third of the old railway line although it is hoped that more can be bought into use after agreement is sought from local landowners.
A bike ride along the 'Way' is a pleasurable experience passing fine woodland and nature in all its glory. There are other interesting views along the journey including the church of St Cosmus and St Damian in the Blean built around 1230.
For more information on the Crab and Winkle Way such as Maps, cycle hire etc contact the local tourist information offices in Canterbury and Whitstable
Crab and Winkle Way
Kent Tourist Information centres
Canterbury
Whitstable
Tourist Information
