Faversham Oare marshes to Luddenham National Walking Month Guided Walks
Creeks, wildlife and coastal heritage
A quick intro
Join us on Wednesday 20th May for a guided countryside and coastal walk exploring the creeks, wildlife habitats, and historic landscapes surrounding Oare and the wider Faversham countryside. Starting from Ham Street Car Park, this relaxed weekday walk quickly heads out towards Oare Creek, one of the most distinctive natural areas along the north Kent coast.
As we follow the waterside paths, sections of the route trace parts of the Saxon Shore Way and the King Charles III England Coast Path, offering the chance to experience these well-known national trails along a peaceful stretch of coastline. Along the way we pass the well-known Oare Marshes bird reserve, an important wetland landscape that attracts a wide variety of birdlife.
The walk also passes a natural spring and areas that still show signs of the historic gunpowder works that once operated along the creek. From here the route turns inland through open countryside and farmland, passing Luddenham Court before returning towards Oare village. On the return we pass the Old Priory before completing the circular route back at Ham Road Car Park.
The details about
Faversham Oare marshes to luddenham
the details
Schedule
Date: 20 May 2026
Meet and Start Time: 10:00 meet for 10:15 am start
Walking time: 3.5 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Walk leader: Ian Henderson
Location
Meeting point: Ham Road Car Park, 3 Ham Rd, Faversham ME13 7EL
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: Some field crossings may be muddy depending on weather
Distance: Approximately 11 km (7 miles)
Walk Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: Gentle with slight gradience (minimal elevation)
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
- Suitable walking attire
important notes
- We welcome friendly dogs on our walks, provided they remain on a lead at all times. The owner is fully responsible for their dog throughout the walk.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
- Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a user cancels within 4 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of 4 days, will receive a credit available to use within 90 days.ancel at least 4 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future walk, valid for 90 days.
Learn more aboutthis wonderful walk
Discover the creeks, marshland, and quiet countryside surrounding Oare on this enjoyable seven-mile circular walk through one of north Kent’s most distinctive landscapes. Guided by the experienced Boots on Adventures team, this route offers a rewarding mix of coastal scenery, wildlife habitats, and fascinating glimpses into the region’s past.
Starting and finishing at Ham Road Car Park in Faversham, the walk quickly leaves the residential streets behind and heads out towards the open landscape of Oare Creek. This tidal waterway forms part of the Swale estuary and creates a wide, open environment shaped by coastal winds, shifting tides, and rich birdlife.
Parts of the route follow sections of both the Saxon Shore Way and the King Charles III England Coast Path, two nationally recognised long-distance trails that trace England’s historic shoreline. Walking these paths offers expansive views across the marshes and estuary while connecting with a route network that stretches far beyond this quiet corner of Kent.
A highlight of the walk is the area surrounding Oare Marshes, a well-known bird reserve that provides an important habitat for many species. The open skies, reed beds, and tidal creeks create a peaceful setting that makes this stretch of coastline particularly special for walkers who enjoy nature and wide landscapes.
As the route continues along the creekside, we pass a natural spring and begin to encounter traces of Faversham’s once-thriving gunpowder industry. The gunpowder works played a major role in the town’s history for centuries, and remnants of the old workings can still be found along the surrounding landscape. One of the most dramatic moments in this history came in 1916, when an explosion at the works left a lasting mark on the local community.
Leaving the marshland behind, the walk turns inland through open farmland and quiet country paths, where views stretch across the surrounding countryside towards Luddenham Court, an impressive historic estate that forms an important part of the local rural landscape.
The final section of the walk gradually returns towards Oare, passing the Old Prior before looping back to Ham Street Car Park. With a distance of around seven miles and an estimated walking time of three to four hours including breaks, this walk offers a relaxed and sociable way to experience the creeks, countryside, and history that make this area of north Kent such a rewarding place to explore on foot.