Riverside Country Park Stile Free Trail
Our stile free routes are suitable for a wide range of users including those in mobility scooters and families with younger children.
At Explore Kent, we aim to provide detailed information about our routes to give you a clear idea of what to expect. Please be mindful that our stile free routes are located in the countryside and the path surfaces can be adversely affected by poor weather conditions. Certain routes may be better suited for wheelchairs with wider wheels, as they can handle the terrain more easily compared to other wheelchairs. We encourage you to read about the trails, and to assess them if you feel confident in completing them yourself.
If you would like more information on accessibility, please email explorekent@kent.gov.uk
Route information:
A flat walk of 1.2 miles (1.9km). The paths are a mixture of tarmac and a hard coarse surface. There are frequent rest areas along the route. A radar key may be required for wide access through the kissing gates.
It follows the causeway out to Horrid Hill, which was constructed just over 100 years ago. It is said that the name comes from the hanging of convicts, who had attempted to make their way to this ‘island’ from the prison hulks anchored in the estuary. The hangings were designed to act as a warning and deter other convicts from trying to escape.
Horrid Hill also marks the end of Sharps Green and was reputedly popular with smugglers in the past, taking advantage of easy access to the many boats carrying their wares up and down the river.
Sharps Green itself was part of a small, but busy, cement works. A horse-drawn railway was used to take its loads up and down the causeway to Horrid Hill.
Sharps Green pond was created when clay was dug out to create the sea walls. It is now an important freshwater wildlife resource and a delightful place to spend a short while savouring this special riverside environment.
Step by step guide
START 1 Return to the car park entrance and turn right. Pass around the chicane next to the gate then follow the blue cycle sign to the right. START 2 (NB - If you use a large scooter, please access the walk from this alternative point). From the visitor centre, cross to the far side of the car park. Take the gravel path beside the large information board. Follow the path as it immediately bends to the left. Pass through the gap and turn right.
Carry straight ahead out to Horrid Hill.
Where the path forks you can go in either direction then follow the path in a loop to return to this point.
If you wish, turn right and follow the path to the Wildlife Pond on your right hand side.
