Walk 1: Faversham – Graveney: 3 miles.

Key Places: Standard Quay, Iron Wharf, Graveney Village Hall, Graveney Village.

Setting out from Standard Quay Faversham, the walk follows the quayside along to Iron Wharf past the Old Oyster House and through the boat yard to a small narrow bridge across Thorny creek.  This once thriving port even had the services of the Creek branch railway line, which joined the main line at the top of the recreation ground.

                 Standard Quay                                   The  Old Oyster House

From here Ham marshes and the village of Oare are visible to the West.  Continue and the walk follows the Creek bank along to the water works.  It may be possible to pass between the water works and the Creek itself or it may be necessary to pass the water works to the East using the cycle path.  

North of these works the path/cycle track meanders along the Creek bank towards Nagden.  Again nice views are possible, North to the Swale, East to the North Downs and Boughton Hill, South to Faversham and the Spire of St Mary’s of Charity is visible, West to Oare and Ham marshes.  

Continue and the path turns away from the Creek bank and via a footbridge and a further length of cycle path, joins Sandbanks Lane.  Turn right and follow the road in to Graveney Village.

Along Sandbanks Lane there is an old tin covered barn with interesting wooden structures.  However it is worth noting only to view the barn from the outside.

         South to Goodnestone                     North-East to All Saints Church

At the Village Hall there is a choice East to Graveney Village, South to Goodnestone or North East to All Saints Church, Graveney.  We continue East to the end of Sandbanks Lane where we turn right, across the railway line and in to the village.

The return to Faversham can either be made in reversal of this route, by the 660 Bus or by walk 4 to come soon.  Enjoy your walk.                             

                             Walk: 2 Seasalter-Goodnestone: 2 1/2 miles. 

Starting from the North the Walker will need an approach from the Seasalter Road.  Using the O/S 1:25000 Whitstable Map the walk is started at the footpath next to the Seasalter Rd Grid Ref: 058/639.  The walk almost immediately starts to rise up Graveney Hill as one heads in a South Westerly direction, before crossing Cleve Hill Rd at the highest point.  From here there are good all-round views to the South, with Faversham visible in the distance some 3 miles away. 

South from Graveney Hill                East to Graveney Court & Church

Continue down and across Graveney Hill passing over a couple of dykes via two small footbridges, and walk in a Southerly direction across grazed meadowland to the perimeter gate.  Looking to the east there are views of Graveney Court farm and All Saints Church.

     Looking North to Graveney Hill       

The path now crosses the next field in a South Westerly direction to its boundary.  Where once stood the boundary stile we turn left and walk in a Southerly direction to Odin’s path opposite the “Old Vicarage”.

Turn left and follow Odin's path East for 500 yards and one has a choice, turn N/E for All Saints Church or S/W for the village Hall across farmland.  We turn S/W and head across an incline to the village hall in Sandbanks Lane from where we can turn left for Graveney Village (See Walk 1) or turn right for Goodnestone.

Shortly after turning right the footpath is clearly sign posted to the left.  Again we can pause to admire the views to the South, before continuing down the hill to the main Faversham to Ramsgate Railway line.

          South to Austins' Crossing                           Rookery and Heronry                 

We cross the railway line at Austin’s occupational crossing and head in a southerly direction through an open field and two paddocks to Goodnestone Court. To the left and adjacent to the railway line is a combined Rookery and Heronry leading to much activity in the morning and evening with birds coming and going.

Exiting the last paddock we turn left and follow the road until we turn right for the footpath to St Bartholomew’s Church.  This Norman Church is now cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust of London and is opened on special days during the year or by the Trust Key holders in the village. 

St Bartholomew’s Church 

Walk 3: Graveney to the Thanet Way: 2 1/4 miles. 

The 3^rd walk is started adjacent to the Southern side of the railway bridge and takes an easterly direction.  Once pass the field gate we cross the field and down to the woods at the bottom.  Continue to the right and cross in to the next field, walking to the far side and the boundary dyke.

(Oct 05) The old bridge above has now been replaced by a new wooden bridge which we cross by and continue to the right of the next field where we find another small wood, separated by a wire fence.  Follow the wood to the end where we exit and turn right on to a farm access road.   

After approximately 300 yards the road divides, left and up hill to Wey Street , or ahead to Hernhill.  We turn left and continue along this road passing the farm house on the left at Wey Street and out to the Thanet Way access road.