Parish Walks

March Walk ‘Wainscott Wanders’

Meet 11am Saturday 18 March 
Church Green, Frindsbury ME2 4HJ

Spring is on its way (honestly), and our walk this month will see greenery shooting all around us.

Our walk takes a varied and mostly level walk through Wainscott and mixes urban and rural, with the longer (3 miles) walkers returning through Wainscott recreation ground (with the option to try out the outdoor gym), while the shorter walkers (2 miles) return to church. We will all meet back at All Saints church for hot and cold drinks and tasty treats. 

This is an urban walk, generally on roads with pavements. However, the longer walk will involve footpaths that could be muddy if it has been wet.

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. To avoid the need for signing in please e mail pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk to reserve a place*. 

Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Haven Street and Upnor Beach

It was mild and the rain held off so it was a great day for a walk. The shorter walkers wisely avoided the shoreline as it was high tide and a tad wet, but nevertheless had a super walk to beach and woods. Meanwhile the longer walkers braved four stiles and a fallen tree to complete the Haven Street Wood walk. Unusually for February it was almost a mud-free walk. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to chat to old friends and new. We welcomed Loreley, Chris, Mel and Max for the first time and welcomed back a few friends we haven’t seen for a while. Young Max proved a superb walker and tree scrambler. We enjoyed fantastic refreshments as always. Many thanks to those who added treats to the table, and to Colin for the photos and Nan, Pete and Alison for helping lead the walks.

Our next walk is in four weeks time on Saturday 18th March. We look forward to seeing you then.

2023 JANUARY PARISH WALK

Parish Walk to Rochester Love Lane and Esplanade Gardens

Meet 11am Saturday 21st January 2023 

Parish Hall Church Green, Frindsbury ME2 4HJ

Suitable for buggies

The New Year has brought milder weather and this seems set to continue, and we hope you’re eager to get out for a great walk to blow away the January blues. Join old friends and make new ones as we walk, and enjoy refreshments together afterwards.

Our January walk takes us to the well-ordered lanes and gardens of Rochester with firm going underfoot. Our shorter walk of two miles goes to the Esplanade Gardens, while the slightly longer walk of three miles will climb Churchfields and return through Love Lane. Both walks will return for hot and cold drinks and tasty treats together in All Saints church.

This is an urban walk, generally on roads with pavements. However, Rochester Bridge is busy and every care should be taken crossing roads.

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

To avoid the need for signing in please email pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk to reserve a place*. * Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

OCTOBER PARISH WALK TO DILLYWOOD COTTAGES

What a stunning morning we had for our walk yesterday. Under a cloudless sky the apples in the orchard were rosy red, the pumpkins in the allotments ripening well, the leaves were turning colour everywhere we went ,and a slight breeze kept us at just the right temperature for our exercise.

We were delighted to welcome newcomers Sandi and Susan, and many thanks to Colin for posting some great photos on Facebook. The shorter and longer walkers met up just before the end of their walks by a coincidence that looked as though we’d planned it ☺while the newly named Coomber Green provided a welcome bench at half-time. Many thanks to Nan and Pete for leading the shorter walk, to Alison for tail-walking the longer walk, and to those who brought treats for the table. There’s nothing like a hot drink and and a piece of well-earned cake at the end of one of our walks.

Our next walk is on Saturday 19th November. Please make a note in your diaries.

Meanwhile Happy Walking

SEPTEMBER PARISH WALK TO UPNOR CASTLE

The cooler weather of September is just right for this super autumn walk. This month’s walk of just under 3 miles goes to Upnor and back by an almost circular route. Mostly on footpaths, with only one short stretch on a main road (with wide pavements), this walk will show you some of Medway’s hidden gems including Upnor Castle, the Medway estuary by St. Mary’s island, and woods and footpaths you may not know. The buddleia is in flower along a good section of the route. We will return for hot or cold drinks and tasty treats at All Saints Church.

We may be able to offer a shorter walk of two miles as well.

Please note there is one short stretch that may be a touch wet under foot if rain persists over the next few days. There is the possibility of short muddy stretches.

All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied.

Please note: To avoid the need for signing in please reserve a place by e mailing judith.armitt@btinternet.comHigh-vis straps/harnesses will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. 

AUGUST PARISH WALK TO GREAT CHATTENDEN WOOD
11AM SATURDAY 20 AUGUST 2022
MEET CLIFFE WOODS VILLAGE CAR PARK (Free) Parkside ME3 8HX
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING PLACE

Our super August walks are a true summer special passing through wild flowers, fields and a major part of Great Chattenden Wood. There are longer (3 miles), and shorter (2 miles), options both ending with hot and cold drinks and tasty treats in a garden setting. 

We are meeting in the public car park at Cliffe Woods’ village shops at 11am. The first half of the longer walk leaves Cliffe Woods village and passes through fields, meadows and Spendiff, all on level ground, before climbing steadily into Great Chattenden Wood, resting as we go. The shorter walk goes more directly to the wood. We then walk through the woods with less descent, before returning to the edge of the village where refreshments await. Directions back to the car park afterwards (7 min walk) will be provided on the day.
Children must be accompanied. Dogs on leads welcome.  

Please note: To avoid the need for signing in please reserve a place by e mailing pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk * Please e mail also if you need a lift to Cliffe Woods. 

Please bring water to drink and sunscreen/sunhat.

All welcome. Please invite family, friends and neighbours.

* Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. 

PARISH WALK TO BLACKLANDS FARM AND WAINSCOTT
SATURDAY 16th JULY 2022

Our next longer walk offers a lovely venture into the countryside as far as Blacklands Farm, with the fruit on the trees growing fast. The walk is exactly three miles long, and relatively level. The footpaths are dry, and while the vegetation is lush, the paths are clear. 

Our shorter walk of just over two miles will also reach the rural fringe but will return earlier through Wainscott. Both walks will pause at the outdoor gym for those who’d like a little extra exercise.

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. You may wish to carry water and wear sunscreen.

All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

Please note: To avoid the need for signing in please reserve a place by e mailing pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk High-vis straps/harnesses will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

PARISH WALK TO BEACON HILL AND SHEPPEY BRIDGE VIEW

11am Saturday 18 June 2022  

It was good it had cooled down a bit for our walks from Upnor last Saturday. Friday’s heat would have been too much. As it was we had a very pleasant dry walk. For those not on the longer walk our Spot the Crop competition included an important decision; while it only took a short while to establish the cereal crop on the top of the ridge was barley, it was tougher to decide whether the vegetables growing on the left were runner beans, broad beans, baked beans or has beens? (They were broad beans ☺).

The shorter walkers beat the longer walkers back very easily this time despite an enforced detour to Chattenden. For the longer walkers Sheppey Bridge was indeed in clear sight when we reached the viewpoint. 

Thanks go to all those who brought treats and to Nan and Pete for leading the shorter walk.

There are two dates for your diary

1. Our next walk is on Saturday 16th July at 11am with more details to follow

2. Our August walk will be a Summer Special departing from Cliffe Woods on Saturday 20th August. If anyone will need a lift to Cliffe Woods please let us know.

Meanwhile Happy Walking.

Walk to Broomhill Park (This is a buggy-friendly walk)
Meet 11am Saturday 21st May at Church Green Frindsbury ME2 4HJ

Do join us for our spring walk to and around Broomhill Park. This is a varied and attractive urban and park walk. We will stop in the park for the younger ones to try out the swings and for those doing the longer walk (three miles) to visit the human sundial, which is up a short steep climb, and the small orchard. The shorter walk (just over two miles) will return from the lower park. The walk to the park is a relatively gentle set of ups and downs with nearly all of it on footpaths and pavements. We will return for hot or cold drinks, and tasty treats.

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. You may wish to bring water and sunscreen/hat. 
All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

To avoid the need for signing in please contact pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk to reserve a place*. 
Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Topwood and Upnor and Easter Egg Hunt!
Saturday 16 April 2022 11.00am from St Philip & St James Church ME2 4UX

Well that was some walk. What a beautiful spring day, sunny and warm; and what super carpets of bluebells met us in the woods. It was a testing climb up Beacon Hill for the longer walkers, but everyone made it, and appreciated the view from the top. The newly laid footpath on the far side of the Ratcliffe Highway offered a firm and dry route into Chattenden, and the rest of the walk was plain sailing, although we were glad of the refreshments at the end. Meanwhile the shorter walkers braved the Upnor shoreline and enjoyed their own selection of spring flowers, beating the others back by a good 15 minutes. It was so good to see everyone.

Congratulations to all those who found and shared the Easter eggs. When everyone had gone we only found one egg no-one had spotted. Many thanks to Bernard for some super photos and to all those who brought treats to share.

Our next walk is on Saturday 21 May. We are short of a couple of helpers for next time, so if you would like to tail-walk the longer walk or lead the shorter walk we’d love to hear from you.

Meanwhile Happy Walking.

Walk to Carole’s Green Space and Manor Barn Farm

We were blessed by beautiful spring weather for our walk around the lesser known parts of Wainscott, and enjoyed a glorious display of magnolias, daffodils and primroses, to name but a few. The shorter walkers beat the longer walkers back fair and square this time.

We were joined by new walkers which is always great, and welcomed back two who turned out to be newly-weds. Many congratulations Brian and Evelyn. Many of us now know where Carole’s Green is, and thanks to photographer Bernard we have proof. Well done to all those who tried out the outdoor gym. Thanks as well to all those who brought contributions to the refreshments. The new Fairtrade fresh coffee was a great success-so much so that it ran out, for which apologies, and we will make more next time.

Our next walk will be on Saturday 16th April, which is Easter Saturday. Rumour has it there will be an Easter egg hunt during the refreshments. There will be more details nearer the time.

Walk to Rochester

Meet at Church Green 11am Saturday 19 February 2022

There are two good reasons for coming on this month’s walk: the refreshments are back, and, by popular demand, the route will be mud-free!After our adventurous trip into the rural wilds last month, this walk takes us to the well-ordered lanes and gardens of Rochester. Our shorter walk of two miles goes to the Esplanade Gardens, while the slightly longer walk of three miles will climb Churchfields and return through Love Lane. Both walks will return for hot and cold drinks and tasty treats together in All Saints church.

This is an urban walk, generally on roads with pavements. However, Rochester Bridge is busy and every care should be taken crossing roads.

This walk is suitable for buggies.  Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. 

All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

To avoid the need for signing in please e mail pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.org.uk to reserve a place*. 

* Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Ash Wood and Chattenden

Meet at Upnor Church 11am Saturday 15 January 2022

Anyone feeling they put on an extra couple of pounds over Christmas? Thinking it’s time to get out in the fresh air? Or perhaps you’re simply longing for a good walk in the countryside as an antidote to the news? We have just the thing. Our longer walk this month starts from UPNOR CHURCH and goes through footpaths and quiet roads to Ash Wood and Chattenden. This is a genuine longer walk of four miles. It is mostly rural going through woods and fields and involves crossing four stiles. There may be some mud, but it should be a great walk. 

Our shorter walk is an option too. This is a circular two mile walk through Upnor, its beach and the nearby woods. There will be no stiles, but there could still be the odd muddy patch.

We regret there are no refreshments this month, but we promise good company and a few stories of the season as we walk.

All welcome. Please feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. 

To avoid the need for signing in please e mail parish office to reserve a place*.

Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Wainscott Passing the Best Green Spaces in Wainscott

Meet 11am Saturday 18 December 2021

Church Green (towards All Saints Church), Frindsbury ME2 4HJ

We all need a break from those frantic preparations, and we have just the thing, with our walk through the green spaces of Wainscott. There are more of these than you’d think. The longer walk of just over three miles is gently undulating. We will use footpaths and quiet residential roads visiting five green spaces, including an optional stop at the outdoor gym. We will return via the woodland near the old quarry (which might be a little muddy).

There is a shorter option along the same route but returning sooner.Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. To avoid the need for signing in please e mail parish office to reserve a place*.

Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Rochester Riverside Old and New from All Saints – 20 November 2021

Please meet at Parish Hall ME2 4HE on the corner of Murray Road and Church Green at 11.00am.

November can be a tricky time for getting out walking, so we have just the thing in this month’s walk to see the ever-changing face of Rochester Riverside. It’s a great opportunity to make friends, and we finish with hot and cold drinks and tasty treats. There is a choice of routes this month with the shorter version a little over 2 miles, and the longer one just over 3 miles.

Our walk starts from outside the parish hall in Frindsbury, descends Donkey Hill and takes a level stroll alongside the River Medway, across the bridge and into Rochester Riverside. The longer walk will take in some of the undeveloped area as well as the now extended housing and riverside views, while the shorter walk will miss out the undeveloped part. We will return through Rochester High Street, with the shorter walk taking an easier route back rather than climbing Donkey Hill.

This is an urban walk, generally on roads with pavements. However, Rochester Bridge is busy and every care should be taken in crossing roads.

Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. 

All welcome. Please share, and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. 

To avoid the need for signing in please e mail parish office to reserve a place*. 

* Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. High-vis straps will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).

Walk to Upnor from All Saints – Saturday 16 October 2021

This cooler weather is good for walking specially when it’s dry and calm as it was on Saturday 16 October. It was great that everyone enjoyed walking together, and impressive how no-one hesitated when negotiating the fallen tree ☺. We welcomed Evelyn, and were also delighted to see many regulars old and new. Despite high tide we were able to walk along the foreshore at Upnor and, as ever, the river looked stunning and we had a good view of the Historic Dockyard.

We’ve been asked if the walks will happen during the winter, and we’re pleased to say they will, Covid permitting. Over the winter months it’s best to be prepared for a little mud, but if the countryside becomes too wet there are interesting urban walks we will turn to.

Many thanks again for all the donations to Judith’s walk for Alzheimer’s Research. Yesterday’s walk was her first venture into walking boots since returning from the Peak District, and it was good to see the boots, as well as the feet, were still holding up.

Thanks to Jane for a superb fruit cake, and to Catherine, Nan and Pete for more refreshments. As ever Nan’s cheese scones disappeared very quickly. Many thanks to Pete and Jane for tail-walking.

Our next walk is on Saturday 20th November. Looking forward to seeing you then.

Walk to Broomhill Park – Saturday 18 September 2021

What wonderful sunshine we had for our walk to Broomhill Park last Saturday. It was a really super morning. Everyone decided to do the longer walk, and enjoy the surroundings of this well-cared for park. Particularly well done to those who normally do the shorter walk.  It is true that some who ventured into the woods weren’t convinced Rob knew the way back, but all was well. We were most impressed when Jane and Pete demonstrated their skills on the Trim Trail, and glad that young man felt able to rest curled up in the sculpture.

The views of the river sparkling below were superb, and the chance to chat in the open air followed by refreshments, including Nan’s famous cheese scones, were a pleasant return to normality.  

Many thanks to Colin for the great photos, and to Nan and Kt for the refreshments.

Our next walk is on Saturday 16th October. We look forward to seeing you then

Walk to Dillywood Cottages – Saturday, 17 July 2021

Well, we think that was our warmest walk yet! Everyone did really well to complete the course yesterday, but we were glad of our break at the park on Hertsfield Avenue where adults as well as children enjoyed the swings. We are very grateful to those who wore such a fine selection of hats; there were panamas, boaters, floppy hats, bush hats and baseball caps, and we may have missed some out – a true milliner’s delight. Some of the longer walkers discovered a new footpath, and were grateful for the shaded arch up to Dillywood Cottages, while the shorter walkers were (almost) back first. 

We welcomed Alan to our number for the first time, and thanks as ever go to Nan and Pete for leading the short walk, and Colin for some great photos; but we now need a farming expert to join us as there was doubt whether it was wheat, barley or oats we walked by on the longer walk.

I’m sure we’re all a little apprehensive about the days to come as restrictions lift tomorrow, but hopefully nothing will stop us walking outdoors in the weeks ahead.

Our next walk is on Saturday 21st August-do make a date in your diaries.  

Walk to Rochester – June 2021

It was super to see all who could make it on our walk to Rochester last Saturday, 19 June. Unbelievably the rain held off until it was time for home.

After a break of 16 months refreshments were back ☺ and knowing they were there made that climb back up Donkey Hill worth it.

Those on the longer walk had the choice of 113 steps straight up Churchfields, or the longer but gentler zig zag path, and either way we had another good story from Derek at the top.

The walkers on the shorter route were nearly back first again, but were overhauled at the last minute on Donkey Hill. it was really good to end the morning together and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Our next walk is on Saturday 17th July with more details to follow.

Meanwhile, Happy Walking!

Walk to Beacon Hill and Sheppey Bridge View – May 2021

PARISH WALK TO BEACON HILL AND SHEPPEY BRIDGE VIEW
Saturday 15 May 2021 at 11.00am
Meet UPNOR CHURCH ME2 4UX (crossroads of Upnor Road and Upchat Road) 
This month we meet at St Philip and St. James, Upnor church and there are two options:
Shorter walk 2 miles
Longer walk 3 miles

Both walks start (and finish) at the church, climbing Beacon Hill through attractive woodland carpeted with bluebells. After a brief trip along the ridge at the top, the short walk descends to the Medway foreshore for fine views of the river. The longer walk has an extension along part of the Saxon Shore Way with Sheppey Bridge visible in the distance, before returning via the same foreshore route. As of writing all was dry underfoot. 
The walk for all begins with the short but steep ascent of Beacon Hill. The view of the bluebells makes it well worthwhile. The rest of the walk is level or downhill.
Please note: To avoid the need for signing in please e mail Sue Jones to reserve a place*. It would be helpful to indicate whether you wish to do the long or short walk.
High-vis straps/harnesses will be available for wear (but are not compulsory).
Dogs on leads welcome; children under 14 must be accompanied. 

Please note all participants walk at their own risk. We may take photos of the adults to share on social media and promote our activities, unless you let us know you do not wish your photo to be taken. We will keep a record of those attending for NHS Track and Trace purposes. Please ensure social distancing at all times.

Walk to Blacklands Farm – April 2021

What a glorious day for our walk to Blacklands Farm. We hope you enjoyed the plum blossom and rhubarb field, chose your favourite gnome along Hollywood Lane, and enjoyed the outdoor gym in Wainscott Rec. Here, my group had a good discussion about whether the new planting behind the goal posts was going to be better for lost balls than for the trees.

The prize for endeavour goes to Slower group 2 who finished the whole walk thanks to a supply of cheese scones consumed en route at the Co-op. We hope it won’t be too long before we can all look forward to refreshments at the end of the walk. (Let’s keep praying and getting vaccinated!)

We learn something new with every walk, and this time we discovered we have a ukulele band in our midst. We’re hoping for a rendition during refreshments once Covid restrictions allow☺

The marshals in the HighParks doctors’ car park were impressed to see Rob leading the first group of walkers through, but even more so when he said another five groups were coming. As one of our most popular walks yet, we were delighted to see no-one has lost their appetite for exercise in the fresh air, and a chat with new friends and old.

All being well our next walk is on Saturday 15th May. This one will be starting from Upnor church – contact us through the church office or website for more details of how to take part.

Walks 2020 Parish Walks to follow independently

Over the last year we’ve enjoyed some great walks, and it will be important in the weeks ahead to keep healthy. Here are some independent walks around the area for personal exercise.They are circular walks so you can start the route at the point nearest to you. Please note that current public health guidance should be followed regarding who may join you from your household and social distancing.