Cycling UK Forum

Went for what was going to be a jaunt along NCN 1 from Gravesend towards Hoo Peninsula. Sadly after following the route from the Pier across the “Esplanade” the route came to an end with blue builders’ hoardings which completely closed off the route. No explanation and no alternatives/ mapping provided. Luckily, I vaguely know the area and could fiddle around and get back on the Medway Canal Pathway. Come on Gravesend, get you’re act together as lots of people use the tour as part of a Tout with full kit. It’s not too hard to make alternative routes clear. Anyone local know what’s going on or would Sustrans know?

Flood defence works at the entrance to the Canal Basin, started late last year.

There are diversion maps up at both ends of the works, easily missed amongst all the site notices and considerate contractor signs and probably not one where NCN1 actually meets the hoarding. I'd have prefered and did ask for diversion signing along the detour but it didn't happen.

Most optimistic date I've heard for completion is mid-June, original date was mid-July which seems over optimistic to me.

Edit: Gravesham Borough Council happily close NCN1 for a variety of events on the prom without ever signing any diversion .

Edit 2: PRoW closure is currently approved until 28 Aug 2019.

If you keep going on NCN1 you'll find flood defence works in Strood too, with even less hope of finding the official diversion route.

Not sure of the timescale on that one. I keep asking for better signage, it's not as if it isn't available.

Gaz, thanks for that. Obviously missed the notice from “considerate builders.” One positive of the day, later on we came upon a work team clearing the undergrowth-overgrowth on the Canal Path and considerate warning to beware of the thorns on branches on the path. Our return from High Halstow was on a different road. Very busy with traffic. BTW, do you know, off hand, if the Saxon Shore Way is cycleable from Gravesend across to Cliffs etc? Obviously on an MTB not a road bike. Cheers, Mike

I've never regularly used the Saxon Shore Way, probably twelve months since my last trip. Very small flight of steps at the Gravesend end (Ship and Lobster). Rough unmade path, extremely muddy on the approach to Shornemead Fort. Regularly used by scrambler motorbikes.

There's a potentially impassable anti-motorcycle barrier shortly before Cliffe Fort. Looks like railway track set upright, tightly spaced and too tall to lift over. I haven't tried it with a bike. Might be possible but I wouldn't guarantee it.

At Cliffe Fort a section of the path was completely washed away. Passable on foot at low-tide, would be a challenge solo with bicycle. I believe it has been repaired since, not been out there to check.

Beyond Cliffe Fort, too many years since I've been out there to comment.

Thanks Gaz, I'll give it a go on the cyclecross bikes with a mate. Two sets of hands may make it possible.

gaz wrote:I've never regularly used the Saxon Shore Way, probably twelve months since my last trip. Very small flight of steps at the Gravesend end (Ship and Lobster). Rough unmade path, extremely muddy on the approach to Shornemead Fort. Regularly used by scrambler motorbikes.

There's a potentially impassable anti-motorcycle barrier shortly before Cliffe Fort. Looks like railway track set upright, tightly spaced and too tall to lift over. I haven't tried it with a bike. Might be possible but I wouldn't guarantee it.

At Cliffe Fort a section of the path was completely washed away. Passable on foot at low-tide, would be a challenge solo with bicycle. I believe it has been repaired since, not been out there to check.

Beyond Cliffe Fort, too many years since I've been out there to comment.

has any one here had a look inside Cliffe Fort? I went on the fore mentioned damaged bit some time a go and came across a fence cutting Cliffe Fort off but some one had put plank or something to assist climbing over the railings

Explored Cliffe Fort a little in my teens. It was easier to get into back then, less water logged too.

carlislemike wrote:Thanks Gaz, I'll give it a go on the cyclecross bikes with a mate. Two sets of hands may make it possible.

Streetview backpack has been through. The barrier is not quite how I remembered it. Also it appears some "adjustments" have been made to the adjacent security fencing, should be easier than I thought .

There is a lovely article about the Thames Estuary in today's Guardian . Mentions the Saxon Shore Way and Cliffe Fort
too. And Conrad,

"And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been one of the dark places of the earth."

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jun/03/from-vikings-to-windrush-a-journey-down-the-thames-estuary