The Swale & Oare, near Faversham

This Kent walk explores the marshes, creeks and tideways on the south side of the River Swale. On the far side of the water is the Isle of Sheppey and in season the area is an excellent place for watching birdlife.

Technical sheet

n°293035
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.02 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 17 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 17 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 18 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
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Description of the walk

(S)The start is the car park at grid ref. TR012647 which can easily be reached from Oare village and the centre of Faversham. After parking follow the Saxon Shore Way west (with the Swale on your right). Reaching a disused jetty (grid ref. TR005652), turn left onto a signed bridleway. This leads through Uplees to reach a tarmac road (grid ref. TQ999643).

(1)Cross the road and follow the footpath towards Poplar Hall. You cross the access road for Howletts to join a track that leads past Poplar Hall. At grid ref. TQ994636 leave the track and take the footpath Luddenham Court with its fine church.

(2)Just past the church take the footpath on your left. This leads east, crossing a minor road where it becomes a track to reach a junction of tracks/paths at grid ref. TQ998631. Bear right here to leave the track taking the footpath to Uplees Road on the outskirts of Oare village (grid ref. TR004630). Turn right down this road into the centre of the village.

(3)Continue straight through the village to reach Oare Creek on your left (grid ref. TR007627). Turn left here onto Saxon Shore Way and with the water to your right walk north following the clear path alongside the creek and back to the start.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1 m - Car park by River Swale
  2. 1 : km 2.06 - alt. 10 m - Cross road and follow footpath
  3. 2 : km 3.53 - alt. 6 m - Take footpath on left
  4. 3 : km 5.11 - alt. 2 m - Turn left at Oar Creek
  5. S/E : km 8.02 - alt. 1 m - Car park by River Swale

Practical information

For accommodation in the local area, contact Driftwood Beach House. Just a stone’s throw from Seasalter beach, and a few minutes by car to the town, Driftwood offers excellent Whitstable accommodation in the perfect setting for exploring the surrounding beach and marshland.
www.whitstablebedandbreakfast.co.uk

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
kcholiday
kcholiday

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Easy to follow route and scenic. Interesting history around Uplees and the explosion of 1916
CanadaNat
CanadaNat

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Great family walk with the kids. Nice variety of landscape and easy to follow. Will be one of our new favourites.

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