Teston Bridge Country Park and River Medway Circular

Lesley Hitch

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Teston Bridge Country Park - River Medway - Wateringbury Lake - Nettlestead - Teston Bridge Country Park

Teston Bridge Country Park, the start point for this pleasant walk, consists of three meadows nestling beside the River Medway and is the ideal location to watch boats cruise up and down on a sunny afternoon. While walking beside the river, you might spot common terns and kingfishers patrolling for fish and maybe even an otter hunting for food! The large, open area overlooking the bridge is suitable for picnics or barbeques.

At Bow Bridge, there is the Riverside Restaurant (for cream teas, coffee and cakes!) Then pass through Medway Wharf Marina, full of fascinating boats and other quirky homes. On a loop away from the river is Wateringbury Lake, tucked away in a secluded spot. Look out for swans, ducks and herons there. But shortly after leaving the river, you will reach the ery pretty Nettlestead Church, a pleasant spot for a banana break! On the return half of the walk, the route rejoins the Medway Valley Path, continuing across undulating grassland. There are pretty views, especially during April and May, as the return part of the walk looks down across the river onto massed apple-blossom.

England - South England - Kent - River Walk

8/13/2012 - Steven Heard

We done this walk yesterday and cannot rate it highly enough. For a 5-6 mile walk, it has everything. Having parked the car in the suggested start point, we quickly made our way down to the river for a lovely walk along the riverbank passing through or near to a marina, a restaurant which I believe sells tea and coffee in season and locks and bridges. After a mile and a quarter, you turn right and cross over the railway line and up through Nettlestead Church. The walk from here to Wateringbury Lake was a little overgrown in areas and it can be seen that walkers have used an adjoining field at times to compensate for this. Back over Bow Bridge and returning from the other side of the river. A truly wonderful walk with plenty of fine views. Highly recommended.

1/8/2012 - Patricia Daw

I know the walk description suggests this to be a nice summer walk but it was the one that took our fancy when we had an overnight in Chatham. The route is very well directed and even in January there was quite a bit of activity on the river. An interesting walk. No refreshment stops were available en route for us at this time of year unfortunately.