A Ramblers group with walks of about 4 - 6 miles. We explore the beautiful Kent countryside from within the Tonbridge and Malling area and, occasionally, further afield.
Nicola B.
Join us on a road-based walk to discover the rich naval and military heritage of Chatham and its docks. First paved in Roman times, the town gained importance when Queen Elizabeth 1 established a Royal Dockyard on the banks of the River Medway in 1568.
With the help of Adam from Medway Ramblers, we’ll explore key locations around the town and waterside, finishing at Fort Amherst, built in the 18th century to protect the Royal Dockyard from a French invasion.
This is a mainly flat walk on pavements, town parkland and firm paths. Dogs are welcome on short leads but please consider that this is a town walk with some stretches of busy road.
Non-members are welcome on this walk, as one of their three free Ramblers ‘taster walks’. Please contact the walk leader in advance to check that the route will suit you.
Leaving the Town Hall car park we’ll climb steps up to Town Hall Gardens and the Great Lines Heritage Park, passing the Chatham Naval Memorial and the Medway Park War Memorial. This area marks the former military "line of fire" for the Chatham Lines fortifications. Leaving the park, we’ll walk towards the Lower Lines and Pier Road, crossing HMS Chatham Bridge onto St. Mary’s Island. Walking alongside Chatham Maritime Marina and the Medway waterfront, we’ll take a break by the stunning Mariners millennium sculpture at Finsborough Ness. Continuing along Riverside Walk with Upnor Castle on the opposite bank, we’ll reach Chatham Historic Dockyard. The final section of the walk takes us by Brompton Barracks, home of the Royal School of Military Engineering. We’ll finish the walk with time to explore Fort Amherst, built in 1756 to protect Chatham Dockyard and the River Medway against a French invasion. It’s just a short walk back to the car park from Fort Amherst.
Fort Amherst serves Sunday lunch (last booking 14.00; call 01634 847747) and its café will also be open for drinks and snacks at the end of the walk.
Meet in the Town Hall car park, 1 Whiffen's Ave, Chatham ME4 4SF (behind the Brook Theatre). £3.90 for four hours (correct on 04/12/2025). PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE WALK TO REGISTER AND TO HEAR THE WALK BRIEFING.
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