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Active Travel

Active travel refers to methods of transport that involve physical activity, such as walking or cycling

Active Travel has a wide range of benefits to our health, economy, and environment. People who walk, wheel, or cycle feel often improvements to their mental and physical health, and repeated studies find people who travel into the highstreets without car spend up to 40% more of their money, helping to support the local economy. That's not to mention the environmental benefits- Swale has six Air Quality Management Areas which suffer poor air quality. Reducing the use of private vehicle use can help alleviate pollution, reducing the emissions and particulates that can be so damaging to our health.

Where to walk or wheel in Swale

We are lucky to be the only Kent authority with an Active Transport Coordinator who has been working hard to make Swale a great place to walk and cycle. There is lots to see and do, from hiking through a diverse landscape on one of the long distance trails to one of many short circular walks around Swale's historical towns or village. Listed below are just some of these fantastic routes:

  • King Charles III England Coast Path- the National Trail t
  • hat will eventually cover all 4,500km of England's coast. Walk along the Whitstable to Iwade section passing through the Oare Marshes, which supports an exciting and diverse range of birds, and finish by the unique Kingsferry Bridge, a mid-twentieth century engineering marvel.
  • Saxon Shore Way- this long-distance route follows Kent's ancient coastline for 160 miles (257km) from Gravesend to Hastings. Enjoy the inspiring landscape and natural beauty of the estuarine habitats and the historic marsh villages and towns along the trail through Swale from Otterham Quay to Seasalter.
  • A Land for all Seasons Nature Trail- a circular walk of 9-12 miles in the chalk slopes of the North Downs through Sheldwich, Selling, Perrywood and Badlesmere
  • A Classic Kent Landscape- a 5 mile circular walk through Borden, Bredgar and Tunstall
  • The Two Creeks Nature Trail- a circular 5 mile walk discovering the rich maritime and farming legacy of Faversham, Davington and Oare
  • The Woodlands & Duck Pond Trail- a wonderful circular country walk from Sittingbourne through Rodmersham Green and Milstead. The route is 3.8 miles with a 2.7 miles optional loop.

Click here to get a full list of trails around Swale.

Not feeling confident cycling on the road? KCC offer Adult Cycle Training across Kent to give you the skills to cycle for both work and leisure