Section 1 of 8, Wealdway
Gravesend to Vigo Village
11.2 miles (18.1 km). About 4 hours, moderate.
Start: TQ 655 743. Finish: TQ 652 612. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Warning: Diversion in place. Part of this route is closed or diverted for now. A short diversion at Luddesdown: Explore Kent says Public Footpath NS228 has been temporarily diverted under a Public Path Diversion Order; follow the signs on site. No end date given. Source: explorekent.org.
Up and down
About 355 m of climbing and 228 m of descent; highest point 197 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Gravesend.
- Bus stops
- Albion Road, 490 m from the start. Directions TQ 654 738Clock Tower, 520 m from the start. Directions TQ 651 740
- Car parks
- Gordon Promenade (free), 60 m from the start. Directions TQ 655 743Car park, 100 m from the start. Directions TQ 656 742Car park, 200 m from the start. Directions TQ 656 741
Getting back
The section finishes at Vigo Village. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Highview South End, 620 m from the finish. Directions TQ 648 617Erskine Road, 870 m from the finish. Directions TQ 644 616Fern Down, 930 m from the finish. Directions TQ 645 618
Planning the Wealdway
- Planning the whole trail: explorekent.org.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Guide to the Wealdway (Kent Ramblers).
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 36%, earth, rock and mud 29%, gravel and tracks 6%; the rest (29%) isn't recorded.
About 31% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 10 stiles, 3 kissing gates, 4 gates, 3 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 66 m in a kilometre (1 in 15), starting 8.9 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- Canal Tavern, Milton: at the start.The Three Daws, Gravesend: 0.6 miles in. Food, real ale, seats outside.The Rum Puncheon, Gravesend: 0.6 miles in.Mole Hole, Gravesend: 0.8 miles in.The Kent, Gravesend: 0.8 miles in.Kings Head Sports Bar, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in.The Robert Pocock, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in. No dogs.The Goose, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in. Food.The Compass Alehouse, Gravesend: 1 mile in.The Invicta, Gravesend: 1 mile in.And 15 more within a quarter of a mile.
- Cafés
- Mug and Meeple Gamer Cafe, Gravesend: 0.6 miles in.Flea Market Cafe, Gravesend: 0.7 miles in.BB's Coffee & Muffins, Gravesend: 0.7 miles in.Sizzling Cafe, Gravesend: 0.8 miles in.Northman Coffee, Gravesend: 0.8 miles in.Marie's Tea Room, Gravesend: 0.8 miles in.Costa, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in.Gong Cha, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in.Coffee Republic, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in. Seats outside, step-free.Starbucks, Gravesend: 0.9 miles in.And 13 more within a quarter of a mile.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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