Teynham to Conyer and Swale Station (11 miles)

The Walk: This walk starts at Teynham Station, and passes through orchards to join the England Coast Path (ECP) at Conyer Marina, situated at the head of the eponymous creek. The ECP follows the Swale shore then circumnavigates Milton Creek, which, unusually for the ECP, is dominated by heavy industry. The Swale is rejoined to finally get up close to the elegant span of the Sheppey Crossing, which has been visible in the distance since Oare. Swale Station is conveniently located next to the bridge.

Industry along Milton Creek

Route

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely. You can download the Google map info, as a KML/KMZ file, then convert to GPX using a site like GPS Visualiser.

The main route is the BLUE line. Starting from Tyneham Station, head North through extensive orchards to reach the village of Conyer. The regimented rows of trees cutting across the footpath, require you to zig-zag somewhat. Head through the boatyard and out onto the dyke beside the creek. About 3 miles out from Conyer, the path heads into Milton Creek (which ultimately leads to Sittingbourne). (Possible short excursion to see Light railway Line (PURPLE line.)

ECP signing

When you reach the B2005 road bridge, pass under the bridge then take the annoyingly long 'clover leaf' route to gain the bridge deck, cross over the Creek and take the path on the left into Milton Country Park. Pass back under the bridge and pick up the well made track heading back to the mouth of the Creek, overlooked by the large industrial complex of the D S Smith Paper Mill, and later the K3 Power from Waste Plant. The ECP then follows round "two sides of a square" inland boundary fence of Ridham dock, before reaching to Swale embankment again. Follow the embankment to the Swale to the high level Crossing, with the old Kingsferry bridge in front.

The path emerges onto a service road which takes you under the railway. Climb to the embankment to your right to stand under and admire the span of the Crossing. The most direct way to reach Swale Station, is return and scramble up the opposite embankment and over a low barrier to the pavement of the road going over the old Kingsferry Bridge.

Scrambly path to access Swale Station

You could break the walk by following a good path along the West bank of the Milton Creek into Sittingbourne (RED line), via the Gas Lane entrance to the Country Park.

Why do it?

The orchards between Tyneham and Conyer are part of the Stone Chimney Farm operating under the name Roper Dixon, concentrating on apples and pears. At the right moment in Spring, the blossom display mut be something to behold. (I never seem to visit at the right time.)

Footpath through Stone Chimney Farm Orchard

The village of Conyer sits picturesquely on a bluff overlooking the Creek and Marina. The Conyer Marsh forms part of the Swale SSSI and the salt- and grazing-marsh habitat is being restored by the Environment Agency.

Conyer Marshes SSSI

There are good views over the Swale to the Isle of Sheppey. Looking down the channel to the East, Whitstable may just be visible, along with the Isle of Harty, from where a ferry across the Swale operated.and the giant wind turbines next to the Sheppey prison complex. Directly across is the low lying Elmley Marshes Nature reserve, and the higher ground of the Isle of Elmley, beyond which, the Swale narrows and turns Northwards. The bow span of Sheppey Crossing road bridge is visible, and grows to dominate the horizon as we progress. (The Sheppey Swale shore is traversed in this walk.)

The Sheppey Crossing bridge (power plant at Ridham Dock in foreground)

The industrial complex lining Milton Creek at Kemsley is obvious. Left to right we have the D S Smith Paper Mill, the largest in the country, the adjacent K3 Energy Plant (generating power from waste for the Paper Mill), the Knauf factory making gypsum products such as plasterboard, and, with the tall chimney, the MVV Environment biomass power plant at Ridham Dock. You pass right by these buildings on the second half of the walk up Milton Creek. Whilst the contrast to the wild marshes and heritage sits elsewhere along this stretch of the ECP, it's good to see enterprises which actually employ people in real jobs.

D S Smith Paper Mill

As you round the 'headland' into Milton Creek, a large lakes complex is visible to the left. These were created from former claypits for brickmaking and also oyster ponds. This is now the Little Murston Nature Reserve. It appears to be a private reserve, maybe for wildfowling. (Sittingbourne was a major provider of bricks to meet the needs of an ever expanding London during the Victorian era.)

Little Murston lakes to the right

The modern Sheppey road bridge soaring over the Swale, dwarfs its 1950's predecessor, the Kingsferry Bridge. The latter is a combined road and rail bridge, which can swing open to allow passage of large ships.

Old Kingsferry Road/Rail Bridge

At the B2005 road bridge over Milton Creek, you enter Milton Country Park. A short diversion (see map) brings you to a crossing of the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, built 1905 to serve the Paper Mill. It now operates as a heritage railway with occasional open days.

Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway (at Norther Relief Road Entrance to Milton Country Park

Logistics: Options include:

By train, start at Teynham Station, finish at Swale Station (change at Sittingbourne for main line connections).

By car, park at Sittingbourne Station. Take the train to Teynham, then get the train back to Sittingbourne from Swale.

Train arriving at Swale Station

Distance:

Teynham Station to Swale Station: 11 miles

Break at Sittingbourne: 8 miles from Teynham

Challenges: Trains serving Teynham and Swale are hourly, so check train timetables to avoid a long wait.

Expect mud after prolonged rain.

The footpath through the orchards between Teynham Station and Conyer is in effect blocked by the rows of fruit trees. There are still Public Footpath signs, but you have to zig-zag to find a way through.

Near Ridham Dock, I encountered youths on scrambling motor bikes and quad bikes going round a field and riding along the embankments. They ignored me and vice versa, but such activity can be rather intimidating. Maybe less likely during the week.