Best walks to or from Sittingbourne

[Gillingham Station](/train-stations/south-west-england/dorset/gillingham) to Sittingbourne Station

lovely views out over the marshes. A lovely, varied route through woods, fields, gentle hills, orchards and a river estuary, with small sections of mostly safe road walking. The first half is farmland over very gentle hills; the second follows the Medway estuary on the England Coast Trail, with lovely views over the marshes and mudflats. Quite a lot of tarmac and with some muddy parts and slanted cycle gates. The estuary section is on the England Coast Trail. Optional detour along a causeway to 'Horrid Hill'. Break points at Borden, Newington, Rainham, Riverside Country Park and the Strand leisure area.

20km. Moderate ascents.

Steps, stiles and gates throughout, plus slanted cycle gates along the estuary. A field path beyond Newington was not reinstated across crops. Care crossing main roads.

Lunch: Break points with pubs/shops at Borden, Newington and Rainham; cafes and toilets at Riverside Country Park and the Strand.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Sittingbourne Station to Queenborough Station

About 40% off-road on field footpaths, very flat with a few gentle slopes and plus the coastal path on Sheppey and a maze-like path through an orchard. Fields can be soggy or sticky in wet weather but passable; there are kissing gates. Uses the newly opened England Coast Path between Kingsferry Bridge and Rushenden; good views over the Swale from Kingsferry Bridge, where you may see the bridge lift for shipping.

13km. Gentle ascents.

A fair bit of unavoidable road walking on the Isle of Sheppey, some without pavement; a large pool of deep water can block the official England Coast Path entrance north of Rushenden; beware splintered wooden step covers on the coastal section.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Sittingbourne Station to Faversham Station

A rural walk on field paths, farm tracks and a few very quiet single-track country lanes outside the two towns and over gently rolling hills. Mostly flat but with many gate stiles; very muddy in wet weather and open to the wind. Good for orchard blossom in late spring (April/May). Maison Dieu at Ospringe is one of several beautiful old buildings along the way.

15km. Moderate ascents.

Lunch: A pub and a cafe in Rodmersham Green about a mile off route; check opening days and kitchen hours.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Lenham Station to Sittingbourne Station

16km. Moderate ascents.

There is no public right of way between Highsted Road and Brenchley Road in Sittingbourne despite one being shown on OS maps. Highsted Road south of Sittingbourne looks uncomfortable and possibly unsafe to walk, with bends, hedges and fast traffic.

Lunch: The only place to stop is the Blacksmiths Arms in Wormshill, which has very limited opening hours and food times.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route