Rochester, Downs, Wouldham Common, Burham Marshes and River Medway

From Central Rochester we headed down to the river beside the Rochester Pier and along the Esplanade. The 0.03 km (0.0186 mile) pier, or if counting the pontoon then 0.21 km (0.13 mile) pier, is certainly a short pier but makes up for this with some lovely views of the river and castle. Although long gone this route leads past the old Shorts flying boat works and the remains of the slipway are still present and can be seen not long before Baty’s Marsh.

Staying close to the river we headed in front of the Marina but behind the local houses emerging at the impressive Medway Bridges, from here an unmarked trail leads up the side of the bank to Borstal or alternatively the river can be followed along to Wouldham if doing the walk in reverse. Staying between the road and rail bridges a small road leads to a walking route crossing HS 1 after Nashenden Farm and taking you onto the very scenic route over the down.

Following the route the agricultural landscape becomes a tree lined wood which after Robin Hood Inn slowly becomes a road. If followed the trail will lead onto a car park with a pleasant view out to Aylesford. Heading down the woods there are a choice of trails that lead to Burham where after passing the school a small walking path leads to a woodland next to a reservoir. Continuing on this trail past the water works it should now be possible to walk along the edge of the river where some interesting industrial archaeology can be seen on the Wouldham Marshes. At Wouldham the river can be rejoined or alternatively, a path up the hill leads back to the Nashenden Down.

Pictures courtesy of Kate Cash.