Walk of the month

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Walk Overview
Location: Rochester
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km), allow 1 hour 30 minutes
OS Explorer Map: 148
Step Count: approx 6,000
Terrain: urban pavements (take care crossing roads)
Parking: near civic centre or in public car parks
Refreshments & Facilities: there are cafes, restaurants and pubs throughout Rochester town centre.

Our quest starts at the riverfront where the remains of a Roman bridge were discovered in the 19th century. Many historians believe the Romans had several bridges spanning the river here, the lowest crossing point on the Medway.
Today, the river is still very important to the local economy. Take a couple of minutes as you walk to admire the dramatic views as you cross Rochester Bridge.

A short stroll leads you to the towering remains of Rochester Castle. Considered one of the best-preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England, its great keep is one of the tallest in the country, measures 113 feet high, 70 feet square and has walls 12 feet thick in places.
It was on, or close to the present castle site where the Romans built their first fort to guard the bridge. Centuries later, in 1087, Bishop Gundulf, one of William the Conqueror’s finest architects, began the construction of today’s castle, making use of what remained of the original Roman city walls.

The castle has had a chequered history, having been subjected to siege three times and in 1215 partly demolished by King John. Now, visitors can see the rebuilt round tower, contrasting with the square towers of the original Norman castle.
Today the castle is maintained by English Heritage and open to the public, those with a head for heights can climb 111 ft (34 m) to the battlements and enjoy a commanding view of the river and surrounding area.

Equallly awe inspiring is Rochester Cathedral, just opposite the castle. Founded in AD 604 by Bishop Justus it is the second oldest cathedral in England. Since the 13th century the cathedral has been a destination for pilgrims through the ages. If you have a chance, step inside and view the Gundulph Tower and crypt, the oldest part of the cathedral.
At Crow Lane, look out for Restoration House. This is an Elizabethan red brick house where Charles II stayed in 1660. It is also famous for being the inspiration for Satis House, the home of Miss Haversham in Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations.  

Heading towards Eastgate, notice The Guildhall, one of the finest surviving civic buildings in Kent. Originally built in 1687 the building now houses the Rochester Museum.  Amongst the artifacts on display there is a 200,000 year old axe, a model of Rochester Castle under siege and the most complete set of 18th-century cabinet maker's tools in the world.

There is so much to discover in Rochester a second visit could be a good idea. Why not visit during the Dickens Festival or Dickensian Christmas Festival when the Medway towns come out to celebrate the areas lasting connections with the prolific writer Charles Dickens? During these festivals the area is at it’s most vibrant, bustling with period actors, entertainment and events.

FURTHER INFORMATION
This is one of more than 60 circular walks in Kent on offer from Explore Kent.

To discover more or to plan your own walk with our interactive map visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

May is great time of year to be out in the countryside or to enjoy your garden, as nature comes alive. Many bird species will arrive in Britain from Africa this month, while some of our resident birds will already be laying eggs.
One of the most familiar of these birds is the blue tit that can be found in gardens, woodland and areas with shrubs. Blue tits are hole nesters and where there is a lack of old, dead wood, the provision of nest boxes can make a real difference to these birds. If you are lucky enough to have an occupied nest box, it is fascinating to watch the number of visits that the parents make to their young.
Normally seven or eight eggs are laid and if the food supply is good, the same number of young will emerge for their first tentative flight from the nest hole a month later.

What else to look for in May
For birdwatchers, this can be one of the most exciting times of year. Bird migration will bring many visitors, some, such as the nightingale, will stay to breed in Kent, others such as the osprey will continue north to Scotland and Scandinavia.
For the very lucky observer this is the time when exotic southern species such as hoopoe and bee-eater can overshoot on migration and appear on our shores.

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