Walks
Stroll down by the riverside
A great family outing doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or far from the beaten track. Just a stone’s throw from Medway’s busy centre, the waterfront beckons with walks, wildlife and wonderful views...
At first glance, the bustling Medway Towns may seem like an unlikely area to enjoy a relaxing riverside ramble, taking in stunning views and historic sites along the way. But hidden behind the
busy high streets of Rochester and Chatham are walks and cycleways where you can explore the waterfront, both ancient and modern.
ROCHESTER Starting near the road and rail bridges over the A2, Rochester Riverside Walk runs between Cory’s Creek and Doust Way, a total of 1 mile (1.6km) and is graded as easy. It’s flat, and suitable for children, wheelchair users, dog walkers and cyclists. A safety handrail runs along the length of the river wall, providing a barrier without spoiling the views. The walkway opened in 2008, giving public access to the River Medway waterfront for the first time in 100 years and forming the first part of the Rochester Riverfront regeneration. The 32-hectare brownfield site will eventually provide 2,000 new homes, a primary school, offices and parks. The river forms the eastern boundary of the site, while the London to Dover railway line forms the western boundary. The three access points are at Cory’s Road/Gas House Road; Blue Boar Lane and Doust Way. Rochester is a city steeped in history and was a favourite of Charles Dickens, who spent his childhood and final years in the area. The walk goes past the
Norman castle and cathedral and there are splendid views across the river and towards Gun Wharf in Chatham. Situated near the walkway is a large blue crane – a relic from the old docks – which has been preserved as a reminder of the site’s industrial past. A million tonnes of sand was
dredged from the river to raise and level the land
for flood protection and two creeks were widened and planted with rare species. From Doust Way, a route following
Rochester High Street brings you into Chatham and a further stretch of river frontage and gardens at Gun Wharf, providing a view of the old town hall, now a community arts centre.
CHATHAM Gun Wharf was the place where cannons were repaired and fitted to ships and ammunition was delivered here from Upnor Castle on the opposite bank of the Medway. The new council offices at Gun Wharf
are on the site of the Royal Marines Barracks which stood there from 1779 to 1950, and were home to the Chatham Division. You can continue along the sea wall
before being diverted inland by the high wall of Chatham Historic Dockyard, now a huge working museum with listed buildings occupying part of the former naval base. Dating back to Tudor times, the yard closed in 1984 and then divided into three main sections – the historic dockyard, commercial docks, and a regeneration area on St Mary’s Island.
Images: Top left - Gun Wharf; top right - Rochester Castle; bottom right - Chatham Dockyard Passing by the old Dockyard gate with
its imposing coat of arms, the walk proceeds along Dock Road where there is a plaque in memory of 24 Royal Marine schoolboy cadets who were hit by a bus and killed in December 1951. The road leads north into the Dockside
Outlet Centre - home to about 40 retailers offering discounted products – and over to St Mary’s Island.
ST MARY’S ISLAND Originally marshland this area had many uses down the ages, including a jail with prison hulks, notorious for their poor conditions, moored nearby. In Victorian times, the Royal Dockyard
was expanded into the island and the convicts dug out three basins, using the spoil to create the island. Following massive regeneration, St Mary’s Island is mainly residential. It has hundreds of homes, with a fishing village-style area, a school and a marina in the old Basin 1. Reach the island by the swing bridge which separates Basin 1 from the Medway and continue along the path which runs along most of the outside of the development. The 1.5 mile (2km) new walkway has vantage points and information boards about the area’s heritage. Retracing your steps, the Dockside
centre is a short distance away with a pub, restaurants and cafes offering a wide choice of food and drink.
Mid Kent Living 25
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