Grain, North Kent, to Woolwich, London
A ‘source to sea’ trail that takes in a variety of wildlife along with relics of Britain’s rich industrial and military past, from the North Kent coast and Thames Estuary to central London. From Grain, soak up spectacular views and spot a sunken Second World War ship, still laden with explosives. Grey seals and rare waterbirds pepper the route along the remote grazing marshes, mudflats, beaches, and nature reserves at Cliffe Pools and Swanscombe Peninsula. Pass the perfectly preserved Shornemead Fort, the impressive Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Thames Barrier, built to protect London from flooding.
Where to stay The Clarendon Royal Hotel, Gravesend. Rooms from £105 per night; clarendonroyalhotel.co.uk
For details and more routes on the proposed England Coast Path, visit nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path/ route-descriptions