The marshes of the Medway
A strenuous walk (countryside) starting and finishing in Kent, England, about 23.50km (14.60 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 7:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
25m (82ft)
Descent
20m (65ft)
Max. Elevation
30m (98ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
45m (147ft)
Start
Cliffe
End
Rochester
Distance
23.50km
(14.6mi)
(14.6mi)
Duration
~7:00h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map
As the Thames flows out to sea, it passes a series of marshes and mudflats along the coasts of Essex and Kent. These lonely landscapes make for some wonderful walking. This route, on the Isle of Grain, explores Halstow Marsh and St Mary's Marsh, with views over the Thames Estuary to Canvey Island and Southend. Buses run to the start and finish points from Chatham.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
A woodland walk near Horndon on the Hill
A leisurely, circular walk (woodland) starting in Essex, England, about 7.70km (4.78 mi) long, duration: ~2:30h.Enjoying the Medway
A leisurely, linear walk (riverside) starting in Kent, England, about 9.40km (5.84 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.Southend seafront
A leisurely, linear walk (coast) starting in Essex, England, about 4.50km (2.80 mi) long, duration: ~1:15h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid TQ736765
Start at Cliffe, on the Isle of Grain. From the church, head west along Buttway Lane. Cross West Street and follow the footpath alongside the lake.
OS Grid TQ722759
Keep heading past the lakes of Cliffe Pools - which are an RSPB bird reserve - through West Court Farm.
About 1.47 km (~0.91 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ709758
Meet the Thames at Higham Creek. Just north from here is Cliffe Fort, a deserted building built to protect London from attack via the Thames Estuary.
About 1.28 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ709771
Follow the path around to Cliffe Creek. From here, the route now hugs the shore of the Isle of Grain, so you can concentrate on the views.
About 1.35 km (~0.84 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ715787
The path continues around Cliffe Marshes. It's amazingly wild for a place so close to London and its 8 million inhabitants.
About 1.64 km (~1.02 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ743792
The long northern stretch of the walk has some of the best views - south across the emptiness of the marshes, and north across the river to the towns of southern Essex and Coryton refinery.
About 2.89 km (~1.8 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ774789
Egypt Bay, near Halstow Marshes, is supposed to be where Charles Dickens got the inspiration for his opening to 'Great Expectations' and the character Magwitch.
About 3.09 km (~1.92 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ812785
Keep on heading east past St Mary Marshes.
About 3.82 km (~2.37 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ852784
Allhallows-on-sea was built as a resort for Londoners by Southern Railways, and was planned to be the best in Europe. It didn't really take off, but there is still a caravan park here. Pass through and follow the River Yantlet inland as it cuts through the marshes.
About 4.00 km (~2.49 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ858774
At a fork in the path, follow the right-hand path away from the river. Pass Binneys Farm and continue towards Allhallows.
About 1.11 km (~0.69 miles) from 
AllhallowsOS Grid TQ833774
Return to Allhallows for the bus home. Pub of choice is the British Pilot, a lovely building in the town.
About 2.49 km (~1.55 miles) from 
