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The marshes of the Medway

Route facts

Waterways:
River Thames »

Distance: 14.43 miles / 23.22 km

Duration: Full day

Difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: Unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Starts at: Cliffe

Ends at: Allhallows

This walk can be accessed by bus from Chatham - no cars required.

Explore the marshes and mudflats of the Isle of Grain, in the Thames estuary. This day-long route takes in Halstow Marsh and St Mary's Marsh, with views over the Thames Estuary to Canvey Island and Southend.

Walk provided by Car Free Walks. Visit their website for more walks accessible by public transport.

Getting there

Public transport: Buses run to the start and finish points from Chatham.

 

Waypoints

1. Cliffe church

Start at Cliffe village church on the Isle of Grain. Go west along Buttway Lane. Cross West Street and take the footpath which leads you alongside the lake.

Easting: 573587, Northing: 176612

2. Cliffe Pools

The path will lead you past the lakes in the RSPB nature reserve of Cliffe Pools, and then through West Court Farm.

Easting: 572134, Northing: 175789

3. Higham Creek

At Higham Creek, arrive at the River Thames. Looking north, you will see Cliffe Fort, a now-deserted building once intended to defend London from attack via the estuary.

Easting: 571004, Northing: 175784

4. Ciffe Creek

Continue to Cliffe Creek. From here, the route follows the shore of the Isle of Grain, with great views about over the Thames estuary.

Easting: 570864, Northing: 176959

5. Lower Hope Point

The path continues through the wild and lonely landscape around Cliffe Marshes.

Easting: 571499, Northing: 178829

6. Along the estuary

The walk now continues for a long stretch along the northern shore of the Isle of Grain, with fantastic views north across the river and south over the marshes. To cut the walk short, you can take the path across Ryestreet Common back to Cliffe.

Easting: 574971, Northing: 179195

7. Egypt Bay

The route will take you past Egypt Bay, near Halstow Marshes. This desolate area is said to have inspired the opening to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

Easting: 577409, Northing: 178896

8. St Mary Hoo

Continue east past St Mary Marshes.

Easting: 579066, Northing: 178983

9. Allhallows-on-Sea

Pass through the town of Allhallows-on-Sea, built as a resort town, although it never became popular. Follow the River Yantlet inland through the marshes.

Easting: 584156, Northing: 178613

10. Back inland

At a fork in the path, turn right away from the river. Pass Binneys Farm on the way towards Allhallows.

Easting: 586006, Northing: 177503

11. Allhallows

The walk concludes in Allhallows, where you can get the bus back to Chatham, or stop in the British Pilot pub for some refreshements.

Easting: 583471, Northing: 177593