As my knee tendons still complain about the previous walk, today will be a gentle stroll round the Medway towns. I head straight for the bookshop spotted last week only to find “The way is shut.” They defeated Sauron but fled Covid 19.
The Historic Dockyard at Chatham is my next stop. The good news is I have the place almost to myself. The bad news is access inside the ships is understandably prohibited.
The third town on my itinerary is Gillingham. I reach the beach just as the driving wind and rain clear the few people out walking. This was a popular beach 70 years ago …
… less so now.
It’s good to leave the urban streets behind and return to the shoreline. Nor Marsh Nature Reserve adds to the list of grim North Kent marshes.
Motney Hill peninsula in Rainham marks the end of my day, as the light is fading and the persistent wind and rain encourage me to catch a train back to Rochester for a pint of Gem amber ale in the warm Eagle Tavern. I’m sent on my way by a volley of gunshots from a nearby butt that happily fails to bring down the ducks flying overhead.
Walk distance: 10 miles.
Total distance: 31 miles.
I loved those old boats, but marvel that they are just deserted like that!! Saw so many along the creeks…it’s like a boat graveyard.