This spring, rouse yourself to the changing of the seasons with this invigorating ramble across Kent’s awakening landscapes. Join Britain’s Oldest Brewer, Shepherd Neame, as they invite you to lace up and stretch your legs on one of their scenic Pub Walk routes, commencing and concluding at The Three Mariners pub near Faversham. One of 14 wonderful walks available in this series, this charming circuit promises 4.5 miles of fresh air, bountiful nature and captivating coastal vistas…
Setting the scene:
From its origins in the 16th Century to the present day Britain’s Oldest Brewer, Shepherd Neame, has been serving fine ales to thirsty patrons across the county. They continue this proud tradition at The Three Mariners, a handsome inn near Faversham that has provided weary walkers with warm fireside respite for hundreds of years.
This month’s circular ramble embodies the very best of the Kentish countryside in spring. Pass sleepy villages and mediaeval churches, glimpse wading birds feeding on the oxygen-rich mudflats of the Swale Estuary, and return to The Three Mariners for a well-earned pint as the sinking afternoon sun sets the pub’s oak beams and panels aglow.
Key waypoints:
1. Starting from the pub car park; turn right onto The Street, pass Church Road on your right and continue until the road begins to bear to the left. Cross over The Street onto Uplees Road and follow the footpath sign on the left. This will take you on a diagonal route through an open field.
2. The footpath will reach a T junction taking you on to a farm track after ½ mile. At the junction turn left towards the houses. Continue along this pathway, crossing over the road, remaining in a straight direction, through two further open fields until you reach the farmyard opposite Luddenham Church.
3. The footpath will reach a T junction taking you on to a farm track after ½ mile. At the junction turn left towards the houses. Continue along this pathway, crossing over the road, remaining in a straight direction, through two further open fields until you reach the farmyard opposite Luddenham Church.
4. Turn left onto the private lane, passing by Poplar Hall on the left, until you reach a gate. Pass through the gate and continue along the footpath to reach a second gate.
5. Passing through the second gate the footpath continues diagonally across the field. You will walk between two electricity pylons, towards a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and pass through a further gate to reach a crossroads.
6. Go straight across the crossroads where you will pass through two further gates to reach Uplees Road.
7. When you reach the road, cross over it passing Uplees Lodge on your left, and follow the restricted byway route. After ¼ mile you will reach the end of the byway and will enter into Oare Marshes. After ½ a mile you will reach a wide gate, pass through the gate and up a small incline to reach the sea wall.
8. Once on the Sea Wall, you will want to follow the clear pathway to your right. Follow the pathway for ½ mile when you will reach the end of Church Road and a car park. Continue straight along the Sea Wall and you will reach the Sea Wall Hide.
9. From the Sea Wall Hide, your route will take you over a metal walking bridge by the banks of Oare Creek along the Saxon Shore Way.
10. Follow the footpath, you will reach the boatyard to your left where the path narrows to lead you through a gate and onto the road.
11. Turn right onto the road where you will see your starting point of the pub car park on your right hand side.
Steps, stats & stiles;
This circular route from The Three Mariners, crosses stunning farmland and takes in the Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Oare. The reserve is of international importance for migratory, overwintering and breeding wetland birds and consists of grazing marsh, freshwater dykes, saltmarsh and seawall. Spanning 4.5 miles on good paths, this easy ramble will suit most fitness levels, reaching only 64 ft above sea level. The sea wall section may be breezier, so wrap up warmly. Expect some gates, bridges and stiles across varied terrain from gravel tracks to grassy fields. Walking boots are strongly recommended, particularly during wet weather days. Ramblers should allow 2.5 hours to complete this route at a leisurely pace.
Perfectly-placed refuel spot:
The Three Mariners has been welcoming thirsty ramblers since the 16th century, making it the perfect place to unwind and refuel after your rural ramble. Sink into aged leather chairs by the inglenook fireplaces and soak up the pub’s rich heritage, evident in antique maps, maritime knick-knacks and well-loved books lining the walls.
Tuck into a menu of classic British fare including warming pies, indulgent burgers, and freshly caught fish served with hot, salty chips. Wash down with an ale from Shepherd Neame’s historic Faversham brewery (located just under 2 miles away!) or peruse its extensive wine list showcasing great European vintages.
Make a day of it:
Spend an afternoon with the endearing critters at Huckleberry Woods Micro Animal Adventures, located just five minutes drive away from this month’s walking route. This charming family-run farm gives kids the chance to get hands-on with micro pigs, mini donkeys, alpacas and rare heritage chicken breeds in a relaxed, rural setting.
Learn about their different personalities as you give belly rubs to the micro pigs, lead the docile donkeys on walks or hand feed grain to the chirping chickens. An up-close introduction to country life like this makes for smiles all round after hitting the footpaths.
Route followed:
For this month’s route we followed the ‘Three Mariners Oare’ pub walk from Shepherd Neame. Download the route map at shepherdneame.co.uk/sites/default/files/iat_pub_walks_the_three_mariners_v4.pdf.
