Pilgrimage to Rochester Cathedral GPX Route

Ride Level: Easy

Gravel/CX MTB | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Cycle paths & trails | 73 km/45 miles | 5 to 6 hours 

Rochester Cathedral, an oft-overlooked Norman masterpiece with (occasionally) a mini-golf course in the nave.  Part of series of my series of off-road pilgrimages to all the major Cathedrals in the South East.

Any questions?  have a look at our FAQ's or Contact us 

Ride Description

The first 16 or so miles of the route involves park-hopping and following tarmac cycle paths, however, the gravel sections start in earnest from Bromley. Climbing towards Poll Hill, the route crosses several combes which include some reasonable challenging climbing.

Plunging Old Poll Hill and on to Otford, the route runs through Kemsing to join the Pilgrims Way just before Wrotham, a delightful village set in aspic now that it’s no longer on the main road to London.

Pilgrims Way brings you into the lower Medway Valley and crosses the river on the spanking new bridge from Snodland to the new ever so tasteful development at St Peters.

Here we stay in the valley, following along the flood embankment and under the 3 Medway Bridges and into Rochester proper.

Start and End Points 

Start: London Bridge 

Finish: Rochester

Ride Details 

• Distance: 73 km | 45 miles
• Climb: 880m | 2900 ft 
• Percentage off-road: 55%
• Trail surface: Natural |Gravel |Tarmac
• Technical Grade: Red  - Challenging in places

Places to Visit 

31 miles:                Wrotham Village

45 miles:                Rochester Cathedral       

45 miles:                Rochester Castle      

Places to Eat 

31 miles:                The Bull – Wrotham  

Is this ride for me? 

Ideal for riders with some off-road experience and reasonable fitness

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

You can do this on a hybrid bike however it's more fun when ridden on an MTB or other Gravel/CX bike.