A walk by the river in Sandwich

          Where once, it was more of a wide and bustling harbour than today, the river winding along the edge of Sandwich, in Kent, still holds a good few moorings. The boats are only small of course, although there are a couple of dozen or more. Today, small private, leisure craft, bobbing gently with the tide. These are moored both sides of the river, near what would once have been warehouses. There are still odd boat yards, and things of a nautical flavour along there. Many of the old uses of buildings, now converted to flats, or quaint cafes. These sit by the side of the narrow pathway, making any walk along there interesting. The assortment of different styles of houses, some with doors straight onto the footpath, some behind private walls. At the end, near to the old gated entrance to town is a small,pretty yard, festooned with tables and chairs for outdoor eating, next to it is the first of dozens of small pubs in the town. To visit those would take you more than a day I would think. It would be interesting for both historical reasons and culinary ones. Each having its own unique style of both. In the UK, especially down south here, in Kent, these are places you can safely visit. Whether for alcohol, food, hot drinks, or just to read the newspapers, and to rest your feet. Some might be slightly rowdier than others, but all are perfectly  safe, even for a lady on her own.

                The first of many small pubs, next to the old town gate, beside the river

          The river, running down to the sea being silted up, making it much narrower. Being straight from the sea, although some couple of miles now, instead of on the mouth, as in the distant past. Fast flowing, as it is still tidal of course, as it drops, and rises regularly, twice a day. With mud  banks, rushes and a drop of quite a few feet from high, to low tide. It remains a pretty river, whether it is sparkling with sunlight, or covered by the often roiling mist, travelling up river. Near the old town gate, sits a narrow single track bridge, the only entrance for vehicles on this side of the town. To my mind, by far the prettier entrance too. Along to the left of this, are moorings for the few pleasure craft. Used for taking the public to see the seals out at sea during the summer months. As well as an old WW11 gun boat. Converted, it seems to living accommodation today.

                                     A misty day along the river, near the bridge.

           Near the view above, to the left as you cross the bridge, is where the leisure boats are moored. Behind which, a major car park, and small toilets. Both necessary, but not particularly making the best of the river right there, I always think. However, the beautiful buildings and houses, across the road make up for it somewhat. Keep walking right, to find the very nice gardens open to the public. A place you can also take tea in pleasant surroundings. Unfortunately a lot of this stretch has suffered through this years floods, including the gardens. This in particular, will need some time to recover, which we hope it can do. Salt water, and plants not going well together.

          Here too, begins the park. A lovely and reasonable sized stretch of trees, pathways, and grass besides the river. This eventually leading to the golf club, and beach. Further down river, towards the coast. During the summer months, this park hosts fun runs, and on its edge, small markets of all sorts. From French fare, to cars, and stalls selling a wide variety of goods. Vegetables, bric a brac, toys, clothing, even furniture or small antiques. At these times, the place is crowded with people. This continues throughout the town too, as this is a major tourist destination. Sandwich is steeped in centuries of history, as the buildings show. Well worth a visit should you find yourself here.

          In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed our small glimpse of life by the river.