Cycling and walking and across the Swale area of North Kent

Get outdoors and be inspired, discovering the beauty and history of Swale on two feet or two wheels

From the Thames estuary and the internationally important salt marshes to the undulating foothills of the Kent Downs with quintessentially English villages, and historic towns, Swale is a rich tapestry landscape to explore. Follow the long-distance way-marked trails through Swale, there’s the ancient Saxon Shore Way and the new King Charles III Coast Path or the North Downs Way. Alternatively, there are lots of shorter Swale Trails immersing you in the history, rural life, beauty and natural world of this patch of the Garden of England.

Long Distance Trails

King Charles III England Coast Path - the National Trail that will eventually cover all 4,500km of England's coast. Walk along the Whitstable to Iwade section passing through the Oare Marshes, which supports an exciting and diverse range of birds, and finish by the unique Kingsferry Bridge, a mid-twentieth century engineering marvel.

The North Downs Way - one of the country's most accessible trails covering 246km through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In Swale, the Linking Coast to Downs series of walks and rides has been developed to promote access between the atmospheric coast of Swale and the rolling hills of the Kent Downs AONB.

The Saxon Shore Way - this long-distance route follows Kent's ancient coastline for 160 miles (257km) from Gravesend to Hastings. Enjoy the inspiring landscape and natural beauty of the estuarine habitats and the historic marsh villages and towns along the trail through Swale from Otterham Quay to Seasalter.

Swale Trails

We are lucky to have an intricate network of Public Rights of Way across Swale that has enabled the creation of lots of different walks for all ages and abilities, exploring our glorious countryside. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just want to stretch your legs, you'll find a walk to suit you.

A land for all Seasons Trail – a circular walk of 9-12 miles in the chalk slopes of the North Downs through Sheldwich, Selling, Perrywood and Badlesmere

A Classic Kent Landscape – a 5 mile circular walk through Borden, Bredgar and Tunstall

Ancient Woodland and Waters – A 9 mile linear walk through ancient woodland and modern orchards from Milton Creek to the Hucking Estate, near Hollingbourne.

Apples Galore – a circular walk of 4 miles through the North Kent Fruit Belt from Newington to Hartlip

A Tapestry of History and Wildlife - This challenging 11 mile linear walk links two National Trails, the King Charles III England Coast Path and the North Downs Way, going through Conyer, Teynham, Lynsted, Doddington and Lenham.

A walk on the Wild Side Trail – a circular 7 mile walk from historic Faversham to the wildlife havens of Oare and Luddenham

Birds, Boats and Countryside Trail – a circular 5.4 mile walk with breath-taking vistas of both coast and countryside, through Newington, Lower Halstow and Upchurch

Birds, Bangs, Bricks and Beer – a 4 mile walk along Faversham Creek from the Victorian train station, through the medieval town and out to the North Kent marshes.

Earth, Wind and Water Trail – a 5 or 12 mile circular walk though Faversham, Goodnestone, Graveney and Seasalter

First Fruit Trail – a 5 or 11 mile circular walk through Teynham, Conyer, Lewson Street and Lynsted, discovering the home of English cherries

Footsteps of Royalty and Romans Trail – a 6 mile circular walk through Faversham, Ospringe, Painter’s Forstal and Brogdale

King & Country Trail – a circular 4.4 mile walk stepping out of the urban and into the rural from Sittingbourne through Tunstall and Borden

Syndale Valley Trail – a circular 6 or 11 mile circular walk through the farming communities of Newnham, Eastling, Stalisfield and Doddington

The Peasants' Last Revolt Trail - a 5 mile circular walk through the heart of Kent’s hop growing traditions visiting the villages of Boughton, Hernhill, Dargate and Dunkirk

The Two Creeks Trail – a circular 5 mile walk discovering the rich maritime and farming legacy of Faversham, Davington and Oare

The Woodland and Duck Ponds Trail – a wonderful circular country walk from Sittingbourne through Rodmersham Green and Milstead. The route is 3.8 miles with a 2.7 miles optional loop.

Guided Walks

You can book onto walks with knowledgeable guides to show you the hidden bits and tell you the unexpected stories in Faversham and at Brogdale.

Faversham Town Walks

90 Minute walking tours start at the Visitor Information centre at 12 Market Place, adults £5 and children £3 and includes one free museum entry in subsequent year.

February-December: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month at 10.30am
April-October: Every Saturday at 10.30am
June-September: Additional afternoon tours at 2pm
May & August Bank Holiday Mondays at 10.30am

Group visits (minimum 10 people or £50) arranged at any time by calling 01795 483289 or emailing favershamtownwalks@gmail.com

Take a walk around the Brogdale Collections to see the gnarled fruit trees throughout the year, with their beautiful blossoms, large harvest or autumnal warmth.

Swale Spectacular Cycling

Pedal through Swale to get a real sense of the landscape. From remote farming countryside to coastal vistas and undulating valleys. Follow one of our special routes to be inspired.

Estuary Edgelands Explore – a circular rural ride of 12 miles from Newington, out to Iwade, Lower Halstow and Upchurch.

Isle of Harty Trail – a circular 7 mile rural ride across farmland from Leysdown to Harty

Perry Woods Cycle Trail – through farmland and woodlands this 10 mile circular trail goes through Badlesmere, Sheldwich and Shottenden, off road and on rural lanes

Poplars, Pines and Pedals – This 13 mile cycle ride is a hilly adventure from Faversham to Perry Woods

Sheerness Way – a flat, 6 mile, mainly traffic free circular ride through Barton’s Point, along the Queenborough Lines, through Sheerness and along the seafront.

Ride in the shadow of The Downs – a 12 mile undulating circular ride through Rodmersham Green, Milstead, Bredgar, Oad Street, Borden and Tunstal, exploring the landscape of the foothills of The Downs.

Linking Coast To Downs

The Linking Coast to Downs series of walks and rides has been developed to promote access between the atmospheric coast of Swale and the rolling hills of the Kent Downs National Landscape.

With the natural world as the backdrop, these routes link to other walking and cycling routes throughout Swale and the Kent Downs and enable healthy access to a range of rural experiences throughout the seasons.

Kent Connected is a free journey planner that empowers you to make smarter travel choices with your health, time, and the environment in mind. Kent Connected makes travel planning easy; it shows live bus and train times, and provides different route suggestions for walking and cycling and includes an integrated walking and cycling map to help ease any worries and get you on your way.

Download the Kent Connect App for your mobile device

Take a look at the Explore Kent Walking & Cycling Maps for ideas of routes on the Isle Of Sheppey, the schools are listed so could you find a safe cycle or walking route? Together with the Explore Kent walking and cycling map Sittingbourne and Faversham

For nature lovers, there is a walk at the huge Elmley National Nature Reserve, nationally known for its stunning landscape and wildlife. For something different, there are plenty of opportunities for cycling and walking around the 40 acres at Barton's Point Coastal Park.

Explore Kent

For information on fantastic ideas for days outdoors in Kent, from short walks in the park with the kids, to countryside adventures. Whether it’s by bike, on foot or by canoe, discover something new - Explore Kent

Walk Awhile - Long distance and UK walking holidays and hiking tours on Pilgrims Way and in the Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) with luggage transfer. For more information go to: www.walkawhile.co.uk or call 01227 752762.