With the cool and rainy weather last weekend so few people took up this walk, that I decided to postpone it with a week. So here is to hoping this weekend’s weather will be better!
Our exploration of green areas in and around London leads us this time to the Thames Estuary. This walk combines important and interesting British history with London’s gritty industrial past, and binds it all together with nature, the river and lots of birds.
From Gravesend station we will walk past the statue of Pocahontas, the Indian princes who famously died in Gravesend in 1617, towards the Tilbury Ferry to use the most easterly public crossing on the River Thames. The crossing costs about £3 and will only take 5-10 minutes, but will give us splendid views over the river.

The tiny ferry will take us to Tilbury Docks, where the MV Windrush disembarked the first large group of Londoners-to-be from the Caribbean in 1948.

From the docks it is a short walk to Tilbury fort, which has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.
We will follow the path along the Thames to another fort, the Coalhouse fort, which was used as a location for the opening scene ofthe 2005 film “Batman begins”.

We will end our walk at East Tilbury, from where we will take the C2C train back to London.

Will you join us?

How to get there:

We will meet at 9.00 at Denmark hill station, aiming to catch the 9.15 train to Gravesend.

If this is easier for you, you can also get on this train at Peckham Rye (9.18) or Nunhead (9.21) or meet us in Gravesend, where we should arrive around 10.09.

If you do aim to meet us anywhere else as Denmark Hill, then please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that so we don’t get worried!

An idea of train prices with Network rail card: Train Denmark Hill to Gravesend £6.60, ferry £3, East Tilbury to Fenchurch street £6.65

For anyone with 60+ freedom pass: Trainticket from Dartfort to Gravesend is £5 (or £3.30 with Senior railcard), Ferry £3, trainticket from East Tilbury to Rainham is £6.10 (or £4.05 with a senior railcard)

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 7 miles/ 11 kilometres. We will walk on a variety of terrain, with some uneven grassy paths, but mostly flat. Please bring good footwear.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy your lunch outside. It looks like it will be a bit cooler, but make sure you bring plenty of water. There are toilets in Gravesend and there are pubs by East Tilbury. There are toilets and a cafe in Tilbury Fort.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and (waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile. It does look like it will be sunny, so don’t forget your sunscreen!

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 7 miles/11 km.
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost:

£10
If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.)
If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: