Upnor Circular Walk
discover outdoors around hoo peninsula
A quick intro
Join us for a guided circular walk around the Hoo Peninsula, starting from Lower Upnor, exploring wide-open farmland and peaceful coastal paths.
This 6.8-mile (11 km) route follows stretches of the Saxon Shore Way, leading us through expansive fields and along the estuary edge, with far-reaching views across the River Medway and surrounding marshland.
With big skies, quiet trails, and ever-changing coastal scenery, this walk offers a wonderful sense of space and tranquillity. It’s an easy-paced route, perfect for enjoying the natural rhythms of the landscape and spotting coastal birds along the shoreline.
This relaxing countryside and coastal walk is ideal for anyone who enjoys open landscapes, historic long-distance paths, and peaceful walking in Kent.
- Highlights
Open fields and rural farmland
Coastal and estuary views across the Medway
Walking the Saxon Shore Way
Easy-paced guided circular walk from Lower Upnor
The details about upnor circular walk
the details
Schedule
Date: 8 March 2026
Meet and Start Time: 09:15 meet for 09:30 am start
Walking time: 4 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Staff Member: Max Cornall
Location
Meeting point: Lower Upnor Car Park, Albion Pl, Rochester ME2 4XB
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: Mixed
Distance: Approximately 11 km (6.8 miles)
Walk Type: Circular
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. Cancel 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
Join us for a peaceful circular coastal walk from Lower Upnor, exploring the wide open landscapes of the Hoo Peninsula, where fields, estuary edges, and historic pathways create one of north Kent’s most atmospheric walking areas.
Leaving Lower Upnor, the route quickly opens out into expansive farmland and grazing marsh, with long, uninterrupted views across the River Medway estuary. This flat, open landscape has been shaped over centuries by land reclamation, creating the big skies and strong sense of space that define the peninsula.
Much of the walk follows the Saxon Shore Way, a historic long-distance footpath that traces the line of Roman coastal defences once built to protect this vulnerable shoreline. Although the coastline has shifted over time, the path still closely follows the estuary edge, offering a clear connection between today’s landscape and its ancient past.
As the route loops back toward the village, it passes Upnor Castle, a striking 16th-century fort built to defend the Royal Navy’s ships on the River Medway. Standing beside the water, the castle is a powerful reminder of the area’s maritime and military heritage and provides a memorable highlight towards the end of the walk.
The peninsula’s coastal fields and marshes are rich in wildlife, particularly birdlife, with waders, wildfowl, and birds of prey frequently seen along the route. The quiet nature of the area makes this walk especially rewarding for nature lovers and those seeking a calmer side of Kent.
With its combination of open countryside, estuary views, and historic landmarks, this Upnor circular walk offers an enjoyable and varied experience for anyone interested in coastal walking in Kent, local heritage, and peaceful rural landscapes.
The walk starts promptly on time. If you’re running a bit behind schedule, give us a call to inform us.