After reading local author Julie Wassmer’s ” Disappearance at Oare” , the 5th book in the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries series, I decided to go and have a wander along the creek as I’d heard it was very picturesque. There’s something very soothing about water and boats and I was desperately in need of a walk, after over indulging over the Christmas break.
Oare is a small village just one mile west of Faversham in East Kent. It is separated from Faversham by Oare Creek which runs right round to Faversham Creek. This walk is part of the Saxon Shore Way I believe. Oare was apparently once know as “Ore” which means “marshy place” in Saxon and you can see why.
Oare has a lot of marsh land which is a nature reserve looked after by Kent Wildlife Trust and is a stopping off point for lots of migratory birds along with over wintering birds. You can see sandpipers, ruff, little stint, water rail, redshanks to name just a few and lots of difference species of Waders. It is also home to many rare plants. It is one of the few places left in Kent with a grazing marsh apparently and is a bird watchers paradise.
You can walk along the creek and start from Faversham or Oare. It’s a stunning walk through the marshes and along the waterway. I chose to start from Oare. There was plenty of places to park for free in Oare and it’s a lovely walkway along the creek. If you start from Faversham it is more built up to start with but still a stunning walk.
I would advise taking a good pair of waterproof walking boots as it was very muddy and slippery at times. I invested in a good pair of Peter Storm boots last year and I absolutely love them. They are comfy and the grip is great and no sign of any water getting in, however many puddles I walked through.
I walked along the creek past the sailing boats and loved the old abandoned boats at the sides. Normally old vehicles look unsightly but old boats just seem to add to the scenery, giving it a glimpse of times past. It simply is stunning. To your left, miles of beautiful, colourful marshlands and to your right, row upon row of sailing and fishing boats both past and present. Majestic old timers and smart new sailing boats.
I walked up to the boat house and along to the top of the waterway where there were two really old, decaying, weathered boats. One was worn down to it’s bare bones, looking much like the skeleton of a whale.
I walked down onto the waterway right beside them and as I neared the boats I suddenly got the shivers so I beat a hasty retreat. They invoked such a powerful feeling. All that fascinating, mysterious, nautical history all there in it’s bare form. It really did make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end !! I think maybe I have been watching too many spooky pirate films and reading too many murder mystery books !!!
I turned to walk back as the weather was getting a bit worse (I chose to go on a walk the day storm Brendan was coming in) but if you carry on round to Faversham Creek you can see the lovely Oyster Bay House building and walk through the boat yard into the lovely market town of Faversham.
Faversham is home to the Shepherd Neame Brewery. The brewery is a family owned business and has been running since 1864. It produces about 210,000 barrels of cask ales and filtered beers a year. They own around 328 pubs and hotels which are mostly in Kent, London and the South East.
There is a fabulous Shepherd Neame pub in Oare, The Three Mariners, just by the creek. Perfect for you to stop and have a bite to eat before or after your walk.
Faversham is a market town steeped in history. It isn’t just famous for it’s Brewery it’s also the birth place of Britain’s explosive industry. The Uk’s first gunpowder factory was built there in the 16th century. Gunpowder from Faversham was not just used during the wars. It also played an important part in the Industrial Revolution, by blasting routes for canals and railways.
It really was a spectacular walk and was so peaceful. Wrap up warm as it is very exposed there and a good pair of walking boots is a must. I can highly recommend. It is one of Kent’s hidden treasures.
Great article. Just a small point, Sheps have been brewing since 1698. Cheers!