Swale Nature Reserve Walks & Route Maps

This very short walk explores part of the Swale National Nature Reserve, where mudflats, saltmarsh, and grazing marsh open out into one of Kent’s richest wetland landscapes.

From here the route leads to Shellness Beach, a remote shingle spit constantly reshaped by the tide and important for breeding and roosting birds.

It finishes with a 'there and back' to the Shellness Pillbox, a Second World War fortification that still stands among the saltmarsh - a reminder of defence on this historic coastline.

This much longer route explores the breadth of the Swale National Nature Reserve, one of Kent’s richest wetland landscapes.

The route has an option to visit the Ferry House Inn around halfway, before heading to the open expanse of Harty Marshes, a flat and windswept landscape alive with birdlife through the seasons.

From there, the walk follows the coast past Neptune’s Beach Café, arriving at Shellness Beach - a remote shingle spit reshaped by tide and wind.

It ends with an extended 'there and back' to the Shellness Pillbox, a weathered Second World War fortification now settled quietly into the saltmarsh.