This guidebook provides an overview of the many walking experiences to be savoured along the Saxon Shore Way. The guide also includes details and maps of eight short circular walks as an introduction to the many different landscapes just waiting to be explored.

The Saxon Shore Way is a waymarked network of ancient and modern paths and tracks running from Gravesend in north Kent through to Hastings in East Sussex, providing 160 miles of some of the finest coastal walking in England. The path crosses two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are dramatic changes in landscape from the spectacular White Cliffs at Dover to the mysterious and haunting levels of Romney Marsh.

The guide provides a fascinating insight into the history and landscape of many places along the route, illustrated with stunning colour photography. The eight short walk sections give an account of the local area and its natural history and historic associations, listing features to look out for. Large scale maps are included for route finding. The walk locations are: Rochester; Oare; Grove Ferry; Sandwich; St Margaret's Bay; Lympne; Hamstreet; Stone-in-Oxney.

The Swale is that portion of the Medway estuary that divides the mainland from the Isle of Sheppey. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest primarily in recognition of its high wading bird population. The Swale Heritage Trail runs for 11.5 miles between Murston (near Sittingbourne) and Goodnestone (near Faversham). It links with the Saxon Shore Way at Murston, Conyer, Oare and Faversham forming three circular walks ranging between 4.5 and 10 miles.

The Trail passes through attractive landscape features with orchards, grazing meadows, farmyards and small villages, so typical of the old Kentish countryside. Relics of some of the old industries of the area also remain, including old brickfields, clay pits and gravel pits. Today many of these pits have become lagoons rich in wildlife. The coastal paths also look across freshwater grazing marshes and areas of saltmarsh are also present along the Swale channel.

The guide describes the interesting features and natural history of the area and provides large scale detailed OS maps of the Swale Heritage Trail and the section of the Saxon Shore Way passing through the area, together with other local footpaths.

This little guide to Shorne and Higham Marshes walks will enable you to explore and experience a part of the north Kent marshes between Gravesend and Rochester. The network of four circular walks ranging between three and five miles link to a section of the Saxon Shore Way; they will give you the opportunity of enjoying the Gravesend Reach on the River Thames and an area of marshland with its panoramic views.

The area is of interest for its natural history and archaeological, historical and riverain features. Fronting the River Thames is a low lying landscape of marshes, orchards, woodland and farmland, with interesting built features. The generally level routes are suitable for family groups and casual walkers. Additional to the circular walks is the possibility of a linear walk between Gravesend and Lower Higham utilizing public transport. The routes are colour coded and well waymarked. The clear maps in the guide are also colour coded and the walking routes printed onto laminated waterproof paper.