New Stretch Of National Coast Path Opens On Isle Of Sheppey

 

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Exciting news for anyone considering buying or selling property in Kent! Each month, the team at Quealy & Co endeavour to highlight a reason why Kent is such an incredible place to live, and here is yet another reason to appreciate living here!

This new segment on the Isle of Sheppey, covering 80% of the island's coast path, is part of what will become the world’s longest managed trail when all 2,700 miles (4,345km) are complete. An additional 28 miles (45km) of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been unveiled along a section of the coast in Kent.

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The Isle Of Sheppey Coast Path

The trail begins on the footway of the Kingsferry Bridge leading onto the Isle of Sheppey. The bridge is a vertical-lift structure, allowing large vessels to navigate the Swale estuary, which separates the island from mainland Kent. To the west, you can spot the more modern 35m high Sheppey Crossing bridge.

The trail then follows the elevated flood defence bank through grazing lands to the west coast at Rushenden, offering views across the Swale and Medway estuaries. It subsequently turns inland to the picturesque and historic harbour at Queenborough and proceeds to the industrial Port of Sheerness. It passes through the Sheerness streets of ‘Blue Town’ (a residential area adjacent to the Port, where residents during Napoleonic times pilfered blue paint from the dockyard to paint their homes), before returning to the sea wall on the island's north coast. The trail then follows the seafront promenade to Minster, past beach huts, and gradually ascends the sloping cliffs, providing excellent views across the Thames to Southend.

The trail then veers inland to Oak Lane. Between Oak Lane and Warden Bay, the trail is not yet open, so walkers are advised to catch a bus from the nearby stops. They can resume their walk heading south along the coast, through the lively beach town of Leysdown-on-Sea. The trail continues south before turning west into The Swale National Nature Reserve and Elmley National Nature Reserve.

The Swale estuary is a wildlife haven, supporting thousands of migratory wintering birds (dark-bellied brent geese, oystercatchers, curlews) and summer breeding birds (redshank, shelduck, lapwing). Spectacular views of the wildlife can be enjoyed from sections where the path follows the sea wall and from hides within Elmley National Nature Reserve.

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Benefits To Kent Residents And Visitors

The health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature are well known, and this path should also benefit the local community as walkers pass local businesses along the route.

We can certainly envision this stunning stretch of coastline becoming a favourite among local residents and visitors alike.

The new trail in Kent extends the walkable length of the King Charles III England Coast Path to 1,772 miles (2852km), which means 66% of the entire route is now accessible.

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About The King Charles III Coast Path

To commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the England Coast Path has been renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’, leaving a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by walkers along the entire English coastline.

The King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail will be the longest managed coastal path in the world. It will encircle the coast of England and will be approximately 2,700 miles long upon completion.

This remarkable new National Trail will guide people through some of the finest landscapes in England, connecting the many coastal towns, cities, and ports that have shaped this island nation. It will link iconic coastal sites and heritage with lesser-known areas, unlocking parts of our coast for the first time.

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Thinking Of Buying A Home In Kent?

Kent has it all, beautiful, unspoilt countryside, nearly 350km of serene coastline, charming villages, and bustling towns and cities. Discover our wonderful county by browsing our Kent area guides, or contact us to receive the latest properties for sale and rent directly to your inbox!

Contact the Quealy & Co. team on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk.