Throw It, Grain

like a rope,

a kite,

a snake,

a shirt – its long arms

waving away,

away.

 

Now it’s

lifted,

caught,

slid,

undone.

 

This is river

out of reach,

loosened,

lost,

become.

 

This is sea.

 

By Robert Seatter

If you enjoyed this poem, take a look at the other Thames Path 30th Anniversary poems.

GRAIN

The Thames Path now extends, via the England Coast Path, from Woolwich, for 47 miles (76 km), to the sea at Grain, along the Thames Estuary, the biggest estuary in England with the longest and richest history. It completes the Source to Sea National Trail.  Interactive map of the England Coast Path.

The journey from Woolwich to Gravesend remains fairly urban, utilising paved promenades, cycle paths, and industrial access walkways. As the route progresses eastwards towards Grain, the Thames Estuary becomes a tranquil landscape along the coastline of North Kent. Historic military landmarks are characteristic features of the coastal landscape. Leaving the London Boroughs behind, head underneath the colossal, towering concrete pillars of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (the Dartford Crossing).

The most prominent features of the south shore of the Thames Estuary are the Isle of Sheppey and the Hoo Peninsular. Other interesting places along the estuary include historic towns of Rochester (within Medway Estuary) and Gravesend. Popular nature reserves at Cliffe Pools and Elmley on the south bank of the eastern reach of the estuary have considerable interest for bird watchers.

Things To Do As You Walk Along The Thames Path and King Charles III England Coast Path

  • Visit Crossness Pumping Station on one of their scheduled Guided Tours, Steaming Days, and Special Events - As a result of cholera outbreaks, Crossness Pumping Station was builit consisting of the beam engine house, boiler house, workshops, 208ft chimney and 25 million gallon covered reservoir begin work. The engine was started by HRH The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, who subsequently became King Edward VII.​
  • Explore Erith and its Riverside Gardens - Erith is where Henry VIII built his naval dockyards and fitted out his famous warship. It’s where the first motorcycle was built and where our high-class cables were made and taken to Sydney, Chicago, and South Africa. Erith is also where Victorians came to vacation: riverside resorts and pleasure gardens banking on the creativity and tranquillity of the Thames.
  • Stop off at Gravesend and explore the Fort Gardens. Don’t miss the famous statue marking the burial site of Pocahontas.
  • Spot the wildlife at Crayford and Dartford Marshes. Admire the view of the River Darent mudflats along this section and look out for various species of wildfowl such as moorhens, black-headed gulls and common sandpiper.

The final route to Grain is covered by: 

  • Thames Path South Bank Sections 4a to 4d
View of people enjoying the River Thames along the South Bank.

London Thames Path - SOUTH BANK WALKS

The Thames Path team have teamed up with Go Jaunty to bring you this series of walks in our grand Capital city. Follow the South Bank of the famous River Thames all the way from Hampton Court to Greenwich. The route is broken down into 6 chunks, so you can pick the one…