Thames Estuary Path Kent Thameside Overview

Kent Thameside is the area of Dartford and Gravesham to the north of the A2,
which has been an important corridor for trade and movement between
London and Dover for thousands of years. Dartford and Gravesend are
historic settlements, but communication between them is limited by steep
chalk hills and the industrial areas that grew up along the waterfront.
Residential developments are now replacing the riverside factories and
wharves where they have closed.
Historically, the river was the most important transport corridor and
Gravesend was an important maritime centre. The riverside path has real
potential as a sustainable transport corridor for walking, cycling and the new
Fastrack bus route37, linking the existing communities and planned new
developments along the waterfront.

new path beside the river would not only be useful of utility trips, but would
also attract a large number of leisure trips from local residents and visitors.
The new development at The Bridge has provided some exemplary
infrastructure for walking, cycling and public transport, where none existed
previously. A new bridge over the Dartford Tunnel entrance has overcome the
major obstacle of the M25/A282, which splits the local community in Dartford.
This carries the excellent Fastrack bus service and a shared footway for
walking and cycling. The route continues through the development site and
crosses the A206 with a second new bridge. As further sites are developed,
Fastrack and the accompanying shared footway will be extended, offering real
benefits for new and existing residents.
Development sites

Supporting policies and strategies

Kent Thameside Green Grid sees the waterfront as an important strategic
route in the green grid network14. Policy RT4 of the Dartford Local Plan
supports riverside access and the provision of new footpaths, bridleways and
cycleways38. Kent Thameside Walking and Cycling Strategy recognises the
importance of the waterfront path from Crayford Ness to Gravesend as part of
the local walking and cycling network15. Green Cluster Studies for the Darent
Valley and Ebbsfleet Valley & A2 Corridor both highlight the Thames
waterfront as a key part of Greening the Gateway in this area18.
The Strategic Framework for Kent Thamesides Waterfront39 states that The
River Thames is Kent Thamesides greatest environmental asset. The
development of the waterfront presents a one off opportunity to bring about
change in Kent Thameside. Even though larger development opportunities
exist inland from the Thames, mixed-use development presents a unique
opportunity to animate and transform its waterfront and to enhance the image
and identity of the historic towns of Dartford and Gravesend. The riverfront
should become Kent Thamesides showcase. To achieve this, we need
positive plans to rationalise uses, bring people back to their river with the
introduction of mixed-use developments, and the creation of a Thames Path
as part of the Kent Thameside Green Grid.
Barriers to walking and cycling
There are currently two main routes between Dartford and Gravesend the A2
and the A226. Both are heavily trafficked and moderately hilly. There is a
shared path beside the A2, but it is not attractive for optional leisure trips. A

Two of the top 10 Thames Gateway housing programmes and one of the top
10 job-generating programmes are located in Kent Thameside1. There are a
number of major developments planned or underway within walking distance
of the river, including The Bridge, Ingress Park, Swanscombe Peninsula,
Northfleet Embankment and North East Gravesend40s. Eastern Quarry, one of
the largest development sites in the whole of the Thames Gateway area, is
only a mile from the river. Ebbsfleet International station is a 10 minute walk
from the river and will become a major transport hub when domestic services
commence in 2009.
Some of these development sites will create new waterfront access where
none has existed for many years. Although developers will be expected to
create high quality promenades within their sites, they are unlikely to develop
existing adjacent sections of the waterfront path. It is likely that public
investment will be required, but special arrangements will be needed as
existing walking and cycling budgets are insufficient.
National Cycle Network
NCR1 currently runs through the area, but uses only 540 metres of the
waterfront. The route passes through Dartford town centre, then alongside the
A296 and A2 to Springhead. New shared footways pass Ebbsfleet
International and run alongside Thames Way to join the waterfront at
Landsdowne Square. The route threads its way through Gravesend
tantalisingly close to the river, before leaving the industrial area beside the
Thames and Medway Canal to Higham. Sustrans would be delighted to realign NC1 along the waterfront if the existing paths can be improved.

Dartford
Creek

Thames Estuary Path Section 42 Dartford Marshes North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Barriers to development

Links and Access

Key Recommendations

Between Dartford Creek and

Longreach Sewage Works, the flood
defences comprise two parallel
grassed banks, with public access
along the top of the embankments. It
would be relatively straightforward to
improve the surface for shared use.
Current status is public footpath.

Dartford Creek forms the boundary

between Greater London and Kent. It
is also a major barrier to the Thames
Estuary Path as a significant inland
diversion is needed to cross the
creek. A new bridge at this location
would open up many miles of the
riverside path and connect the
communities at Erith, Dartford and
Greenhithe.

L1 The flood defences beside

Dartford Creek provide an attractive
traffic-free route into Dartford Town
Centre and the railway station.

1. Provision of a new bridge at the

Dartford Creek Barrier.

At the sewage works a concrete wall

provides the flood defence and a
rough track runs on the riverside.
This section is easily accessible from
surrounding residential areas in
Dartford and the new mixed
development at The Bridge, also
known as Dartford Park41. Dartford
Marshes are an important green
space for people and wildlife and the
riverside paths have enormous
potential as a green lung for local
people, as well as forming part of a
long distance route for both utility
and recreational trips.

The Dartford Creek Barrier is

operated by the Environment Agency
and is a key structure in the flood
defences for Dartford and Crayford. A
new bridge could be a free-standing
structure adjacent to or fixed onto the
flood barrier.
LB Bexley has commissioned
feasibility work and discussions are
underway with the Environment
Agency. Budget costs are estimated
at 1.21.7 million, depending on
the type of structure.

L2 Joyce Green Lane provides

vehicle access to the flood barrier
and the shooting range. A link to The
Bridge development site could be
created across land owned by
Dartford Borough Council.
L3 The former Joyce Green Tramway
will link the proposed District Centre
of The Bridge development directly
with the waterfront. Although it is not
currently a public right of way, we
recommend that this is developed as
the primary route between Dartford
Town Centre, The Bridge and the
waterfront. The old cobbles of the
tramway have been restored in
places, although much is covered
with a layer of tarmac.
L4 Marsh Street is an historic
riverside access track, but it is now
sandwiched between the power
station and sewage works. Steps
over the sea wall restrict access to
the waterfront. It does have public
bridleway status, but it is not an
attractive route.

Looking east to QEII Bridge

Dartford Creek Barrier

2. Surfacing of 2560 metres of

riverside path along flood defence
embankments for shared use.

Artist impression of improvements

Littlebrook Power Station

New bridge across

Dartford Creek

L1

L2

L3

L4

The Bridge

Thames Estuary Path Section 43 Littlebrook and Crossways North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Links and Access

Key Recommendations

This section passes the industrial

sites of Littlebrook Power Station and
Crossways Business Park. The
riverside path passes under the major
landmark of the QEII Bridge. The
flood defences vary from grassed
banks to wide concrete tracks, with
public access throughout. In some
places, no improvements are needed
and elsewhere it would be easy to
improve the surface for shared use.
Current status is public footpath.

L1 The first stage of redevelopment

of Littlebrook Business Park includes
new shared paths, linking with the
emerging network through The
Bridge development. As the site is
further developed, it is hoped that a
new link to the waterfront can be
created.

1. Surfacing of 1390 metres of

riverside path along flood defences
for shared use.

This section is easily accessible from

surrounding residential areas in
Dartford and the new mixed
development at The Bridge. If a link
can be created through the
Littlebrook site, this would increase
the value of the path for local people.

Access control above Dartford Tunnel

Barriers to development
B1 The only significant barriers are
the substantial access controls and
reduced path width above the
Dartford Tunnel and under the QEII
Bridge. The path is as little as 1.8m
wide in places. There is scope to
move the existing palisade fencing
back over a short distance to
accommodate a wider path.

L2 There is a tarmac access road

very close to the waterfront, but there
is no current public access. If access
can be negotiated, a link to the new
Fastrack bridge over the Dartford
Tunnel portal will be useful.

3. Moving fence line back by at least

1 metre over 120 metres above
Dartford Tunnel.

L3 There is an existing track linking

Crossways with the waterfront. Minor
surfacing works would be needed to
bring this up to a reasonable
standard. The access barrier at the
south end could be improved.
Jetty adjacent to power station

Modification to the access controls

will need to be discussed with the
relevant authorities to allow easier
access for disabled people and
bicycles.

Littlebrook Power Station

2. Modification to access controls

under the QEII Bridge (B1).

There is a minor issue at the jetty

adjacent to the power station, where
there are level changes that should
be modified.
Crossways link

Littlebrook
Business Park

B1
L1

L2

Cycle crossing
service over bridge

L3

Crossways
Business Park

Thames Estuary Path Section 44 Greenhithe North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Barriers to development

Between the QEII Bridge and

Johnsons Wharf, the flood defences
again comprise two parallel grassed
banks around 4 metres wide, with a
public footpath along the top of the
embankments. It would be relatively
straightforward to improve the
surface for shared use.

The Lafarge works are a major

barrier, but there is a satisfactory
diversion on an existing footpath
between the superstore and this site.
Greenhithe High Street is a
reasonable alternative to the
waterfront, particularly as it contains
a number of fine historic buildings.

The industrial site at Johnsons Wharf

is occupied by Lafarge Aggregates
and there is no public access. The
adjacent site is being developed for
housing and new public access to the
waterfront will be provided (DBC
planning reference 05/00573/FUL).

Waterfront access should be

provided wherever possible. A case
in point is the Neptune Slipway site,
which is currently subject to a
planning application for residential
development (DBC planning
reference 08/01136/FUL). The
developers propose a new public
riverside walk, but only 1.5 metres
wide with steps. This is wholly
inadequate if the ambition is to create
a high quality riverside path.

Most of the Greenhithe waterfront is

physically accessible, but it is in
private ownership and there is no
continuous access. Much of the
housing here is relatively recent, but
the local authorities have failed to
ensure the necessary access.
Ingress Park is an exemplary
development, with an excellent
promenade on two levels, the upper
level comprising a good quality
tarmac path 3 metres wide.
This section is easily accessible from
surrounding residential areas in Stone
and Greenhithe and from the
commercial area at Crossways
Business Park. There is good
potential for local utility trips as well
as leisure and longer distance
recreational trips.

improve access and the removal of

an unnecessary barrier on the east
side.
B2 The access to Ingress Park is very
difficult for bicycles and mobility
vehicles and should be modified.
Links and Access
L1 An industrial road links Crossways
Boulevard (and Stone Crossing
station) with the riverside, but access
is by steps across the flood
defences. Substantial earthworks
would be needed to provide easy
access.
L2 Greenhithe station is easily
accessible from the river on existing
shared paths.

Key Recommendations
1. Surfacing of 960 metres of
riverside path along flood defence
embankments for shared use.
2. Increase headroom and remove
barrier at Freightliner jetty access
(B1).
3. Improvements to footpath beside
Superstore as an interim route.
4. Detailed feasibility work into the
options for public access to the
waterfront at Greenhithe.
5. Modifications to the access barrier
at Ingress Park (B2).

L3 There are a number of access

points to the waterfront through the
Ingress Park development. Everards
Link, a brand new Fastrack bus route
through to the station, is under
construction.

Waterfront west of Greenhithe

Freightliner jetty access
B1 At the Freightliner terminal, the
path runs underneath the jetty access
road, but headroom is restricted at
1.95 metres. Excavation is needed to

View east to Greenhithe

Ingress Park
under construction

B1

L1

B2
L2

Greenhithe
Station

L3
Stone Crossing
Station

Thames Estuary Path Section 45 Swanscombe Peninsula North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Barriers to development

Links and Access

The west side of the peninsula is

accessible on foot, although there are
no formal surfaced paths. A number
of access tracks cross the area,
including a wide tarmac road, which
is currently used to service the
Ingress Park site. The east side of the
peninsula is not currently accessible.

The main barrier is the large industrial

site, which runs for some 3000
metres from Broadness to
Rosherville. Swanscombe Peninsula
currently provides land for some
heavy industrial uses such as
Britannia Refined Metals and port
related uses such as SeaCon, as well
as several aggregate wharves. These
industrial uses are likely to remain for
the foreseeable future, so an inland
alternative route will be required.

L1 Lovers Lane, a public footpath on

a wide metalled track, links London
Road with Ingress Park. The footpath
continues to the waterfront in poor
condition. There is a restrictive
kissing gate at London Road.

B1 There is a metal barrier on a

public footpath which will need to be
modified to allow access for all. There
is another barrier on the ramp that
links Manor Way with the footpath.

L3 This public footpath is a little

narrow for shared use at around 2
metres between fences.

Swanscombe Peninsula West is

identified by SEEDA as a potential
development site40, but the timescale
is uncertain.
The grassed bank flood defences do
not follow the riverside, but run inland
about 650 metres from Broadness.
Public footpaths follow the landward
side of the flood defences and offer a
satisfactory alternative route.
The grassed bank continues along
the west side of Manor Way, where it
has public footpath status. The
alternative route then joins Manor
Way and Lower Road.

B2 The public footpath climbs to the

top of the flood defence embankment
with a flight of steps. This path is a
little narrow for shared use, but
cyclists can use the road. Manor Way
is a private road, so access
negotiations will be needed.

L2 The access ramp into Ingress Park

is too narrow for shared use a
missed opportunity given the
considerable investment to create
this ramp.

L4 The service road from Manor Way

to Ingress Park provides a good route
to the peninsula, but there is a metal
barrier at Manor Way.
L5 This public footpath comprises a
concrete track for the first part, then
deteriorates to an overgrown path.

Broadness, looking towards Grays

Key Recommendations
1. Retention of Ingress Park service
roads for walking and cycling.
2. Development of an inland route on
existing footpaths and surfacing of
around 1350 metres.
3. Traffic calming on Manor Way and
Lower Road.

L6 Manor Way was a continuous right

of way prior to the construction of
CTRL. There is a track across the
new Thames tunnel entrance, but this
is not currently accessible. If this can
be opened up, it would provide a very
useful direct link from local
communities and for access to
Ebbsfleet International station.
Barrier on public footpath
Looking east to Manor Way

Broadness from Ingress Park

L5
B1
B2
L4

L6

L1

L3
L2

Thames Estuary Path Section 46 Northfleet North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Barriers to development

Links and Access

Key Recommendations

The waterfront is currently occupied

by large industrial sites, including
Lafarge cement and Kimberly Clark.
Northfleet Embankment has been
identified by SEEDA as a major
development site40 and works are due
to start in 2009, including a new
riverside promenade.

The main barrier is the large industrial

site, which means there is no public
access to the waterfront up to
Rosherville.

There are a number of historic links to

the riverside, some of which probably
pre-date the current industrial uses.
Once the site is developed, we
recommend that these links are
retained and enhanced.

1. Creation of riverside promenade as

part of site development.

The Shore and Clifton Marine Parade

run very close to the riverside and are
currently quiet roads, although this
may change with development.
A public footpath NU42 runs through
the cement works, but has been
closed for safety reasons since 2005.
An alternative route is available using
Granby Road (which is closed to
motor vehicles) and High Street.
A further alternative route for cyclists
is to follow NCR1 alongside Thames
Way, which avoids the hills in
Northfleet.

The cement works closed in 2008,

but demolition work will continue until
2010. Development plans are at an
advanced stage and a new riverside
promenade is proposed for much of
the waterfront. Some of the industrial
uses might still prevent public access
in the long term.
SEEDA is leading the development of
Northfleet Embankment East and
have acquired some of the industrial
land. A planning application is
expected in late 2008.
The A226 Galley Hill Road is very
busy with a high proportion of HGVs
and we recommend that the footway
on the west side is widened for
shared use.

L1 College Road existing access

road to industrial area.

L3 Cement works access road, with

tunnels under the railway and High
Street. This road may continue to be
used by commercial vehicles, but it
would be a very useful link to
Ebbsfleet station.
L4 Existing tarmac footpath into
cement works site from Lawn Road.
At the time of our visit, the gate into
the industrial site was open.

L6 Narrow footpath, currently poorly

maintained.

Rosherville Waterfront

3. Widening of 230 metres of footway

beside A226 Galley Hill Road for
shared use.

L2 Hive Lane public footpath,

mostly adequate width, but narrow in
at each end.

L5 Granby Road road currently

closed to motor vehicles.

Northfleet from Tilbury Ferry

2. Re-opening of public footpath

NU42 at the earliest opportunity.

Footway, Galley Hill Road

L2
L1
L4
L6
Northfleet
station

L3

Ebbsfleet
International station

NCR1

L5

Thames Estuary Path Section 47 Gravesend North Kent

Condition of the waterfront
The waterfront is almost continuously
developed, with industrial and
residential sites and a mix of public
and private access.
Two adjacent housing sites show
good and bad examples of waterfront
development. To the west of the old
railway pier at Baltic Wharf, there is a
wide public promenade with access
from the Retail Park. To the east up
to the ferry terminal, there is limited
public access with numerous steps
and a private space that is little used.
From the ferry terminal to Royal Pier
Road, there is public access but
width is restricted at Town Pier. The
Royal Pier site is not accessible, but
there are quiet streets a short
distance away.
Gordon Promenade is the biggest
riverside open space in the town, with
a wide riverside path and public
amenities.

From the Canal Basin to Mark Lane,

the waterfront is occupied by a
number of small industrial premises.
This area is planned for development
as the North East Gravesend and
Canal Basin regeneration area. The
canal could provide a high quality
inland alternative route if the
waterfront continues to be occupied
by industry.
Barriers to development
The main barriers are the industrial
sites, which limit public access to the
waterfront. Some recent
developments have failed to provide
a good quality riverside path.
Around the Town Pier, the width of
the riverside path is restricted by
adjacent buildings. The PLA offices
and Custom House at Royal Pier are
likely to remain inaccessible. The PLA
is keen to retain the slipways at
Wharf Road.

Links and Access

Key Recommendations

There are numerous access points to

the waterfront from adjoining streets
and no new links are required. As
sites are developed, it will be
important to ensure that public
access is maximised.

1. Creation of a riverside promenade

as part of site development as
opportunities arise at North East
Gravesend.

L1 Interim alternative routes are

available on adjacent streets and
footpaths, but these are not
satisfactory as long term solutions.
NCR1 runs east-west through the
town and uses the currently
accessible waterfront and nearby
streets.

2. Widening of public footpath with

development of the Feabrex site.
3. Feasibility work to allow greater
public access to the waterfront from
the old railway pier to Town Pier. This
will need to take account of the
proposal to move the ferry terminal to
Town Pier.

L2 Ferry to Tilbury, not currently

running on Sundays.
L3 Pedestrianised High Street for the
town centre and railway station.
L4 The public footpath shared by the
Saxon Shore Way and NCR1 is very
narrow in places, barely 1 metre for a
short distance.
Canal Basin

Baltic Wharf good use of waterfront

Poor use of waterfont

Wharf Road

L2

L1
L3

Gravesend
Station

L4

Thames Estuary Path Section 48 Eastcourt Marshes North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

Barriers to development

Links and Access

Key Recommendations

East of Mark Lane, the sea wall

includes a narrow concrete path on
the landward side, as little as 2
metres in places. The narrowest
section of concrete path can be
avoided by using the road access to
the Ship & Lobster PH. Outside The
Ship & Lobster PH there are steps to
negotiate.

This section is fully open to public

access as a footpath, albeit with
steps in places.

There are no access points along the

waterfront between Mark Lane and
Shornmead Fort due to the presence
of the Metropolitan Police Specialist
Training Facility.

1. Widening of existing riverside path

beside sea wall.

On the south side of this facility lies

the Thames and Medway Canal. A
track runs alongside the disused
canal and it is used by NCR1
between Gravesend and Higham
station. Improvements to the path
surface are planned as part of the
major investment in the canal.

3. Surfacing of 1730 metres of

riverside path along flood defence
embankments for shared use.

Where the flood defences change to

grassed banks, riverside access is
very good and there is a continuous
footpath to Cliffe Pools and beyond.
A set of concrete steps provide
access over the sea wall.

B1 The most significant barrier is the

marshy area to the west of
Shornmead Fort. This might need a
boardwalk construction in places to
keep the path dry and suitable for
shared use.
B2 Steps at the Ship & Lobster.
B3 Concrete steps over flood
defences.

4. Construction of boardwalk for 800

metres over marshy ground.

This provides a very satisfactory

alternative to enable cyclists to avoid
the marshy area along the estuary
path. If the waterfront is developed as
well, this will make a fantastic circular
route over level ground for the
residents of Gravesend.

There is a section of around 800

metres of low-lying ground where the
flood defences move inland, inside
the Metropolitan Police Firing Range.
Although there are some older flood
defences in place they are not in
good condition and this section is
subject to inundation.

Sea wall from Ship & Lobster

Looking west from Shornmead Fort

The Ship & Lobster

Looking east

2. Modification of steps to allow

disabled access at B2 and B3.

B1

B2

B3

Thames and Medway

Canal (NCR1)

Thames Estuary Path Section 49 Shorne Marshes North Kent

Condition of the waterfront

The footpath and track are in

reasonable condition, so we
recommend this as a good route from
the canal to the waterfront. Beckley
Hill is identified as a potential new
recreational hub in the Thames and
Medway Canal Green Cluster
Study18.

This section of the waterfront

comprises a high grassed
embankment. On the landward side
there is a wide gravel track in
reasonable condition.

Stile on flood embankment

Links and Access

Looking east from Shornmead Fort

Barriers to development
There no physical barriers on this
section. The choice is whether to
invest in a new path on top of the
flood defences or to improve the
existing track at the foot of the
embankment.
B1 There is one location where a
metal fence and stile restricts access
to people with limited mobility. If the
fence is required for stock control,
there are several designs of easyaccess gate which could be used
instead.

L1 A public bridleway runs from

Shornmead Crossing to Shornmead
Fort, which is a concrete access
road. When the Police firing range is
in operation, officers are stationed at
the railway level crossing so that
firing can cease when someone
wants to use the bridleway. This is
the first access east of Gravesend
and a good link to Shorne village and
Shorne Wood Country Park.

L3 A link to Church Street could be

developed, but this currently uses a
level crossing of the railway branch
line with steps. This is an existing
public footpath.

1. Surfacing of 1170 metres of

riverside path along flood defence
embankments for shared use.
2. Improvements to the tracks
through Beckley Hill and Higham
Common for 2000 metres as a link to
NCR1 and the Thames & Medway
Canal.
3. Installation of easy-access gate to
the existing fence line at B1.

L4 There is another public footpath

across open ground from Church
Street, which is the most direct route
to Higham station. This is probably
not suitable for development for
shared use, but it forms part of the
Naughty nuns and nightingales
promoted walk.

Track at foot of flood defences

However, there is a proposal to move

the bridleway further to the east, so it
does not interfere with the operation
of the firing range.
L2 NCR1 continues on the path
adjacent to the disused canal to a
small industrial estate, where it joins
with Canal Road. From this point a
private track leads to Higham
Common and a public footpath
leading back to the waterfront.

Key Recommendations

Footpath across Higham Common

B1
L4

L2

L1

L2
L3