Thames Estuary Trail

The Thames Estuary coastline as a continuous walk was originally described by writer and avid walker, Tom King in his book Thames Estuary Trail: A Walk round the End of the World (published in 2001 by Desert Island Press) which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.  

A search for unexplored, un-walked landscapes around the world, brought Tom right back to his doorstep in Essex, where he realised one of the greatest unwritten walks was right under his nose.   The original book maps the walk around "the unfashionable end of the Thames" and along the way captures the people, the histories, the frustrations and the magnetic beauty of the place that once you are introduced to, keeps you coming back. 

Much has changed over 20 years and much has remained just as compelling and enigmatic as when Tom first captured it.

Estuary 2021 has partnered with Tom and the Thames Estuary Growth Board to publish a festival-special, extended second edition.  This specially designed, limited edition comes with a new introduction and additional chapters that extend the walk from Sheppey (where the original book ends) to walk the final part of the estuary coastline to Margate. 

The book is the first and to date, the only one that describes the entire estuary coastline as an epic 107 mile walk. 

Launched on Sunday 30 May from the iconic Southend Pier, with readings and an accompanied walk led by Tom, the book is now available to buy from our Estuary 2021 online shop.  

Order your copy
Order your copy from our ONLINE SHOP - now open.

Join Tom on a festival walk

Thursday 3 June:  12:00
Old Leigh to Hadleigh Castle
FREE - book your ticket HERE
To mark the launch of the Estuary 2021 special extended edition of Tom King's Thames Estuary Trail: A walk round the end of the world, Tom King we will leading a circular walk along part of the trail from Leigh on Sea to Hadleigh Castle.  With stunning views, great company and lovely weather forecast, we hope you can join Tom.
Time:  12:00 noon
Meeting Place:  Leigh-on-Sea Railway Station
Length: Approximately 3.5 miles round trip
Duration: Approximately two and a half hours
Terrain:  earthy trails, grass, fields and marshland with some gentle inclines.
Places are limited in line with current Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.

Sunday 6 June: 11:30 
In My Steps: Radical Walks - from Wat Tyler Country Park to Fobbing Marshes
Organised by Essex Book Festival
Tickets £5 - £8
Book your ticket HERE

Thursday 10 June:  12:00
Hampton Pier (Herne Bay) to Reculver
FREE - book your ticket HERE
To mark the launch of the Estuary 2021 special extended edition of Tom King's Thames Estuary Trail: A walk round the end of the world, Tom King we will leading a walk along part of the trail from Herne Bay to Reculver. With fantastic heritage landmarks, great company and sunshine (hopefully) we hope you are able to join Tom.  The walk takes you out to Reculver where the magnificent and historic towers stand - before turning back and walking back the same way to Herne Bay.
Time: 12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Hampton Pier, Herne Bay
Length: Approximately 6 miles round trip
Duration: Approximately four and a half hours
Terrain: Flat coastal path, with a short climb at Reculver.
Places are limited in line with current Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.



Alongside the new edition of the book, Estuary 2021 commissioned two artist's to create accompanying works, also supported through Thames Estuary Growth Board.  Visual artist Maria Amidu has been walking the route with Tom and has designed a series of eight Watermarks, artworks to be placed in the landscape which physically mark the Thames Estuary Trail.  Supported by the Thames Estuary Growth Board, these plaques will be hosted by small businesses and visitor centres along the route.  

An accompanying illustrated map by Adam Dant highlights all the reasons why setting out for a walk along the Thames Estuary promises great adventure.  Conceived as an affordable ‘multiple’ artwork, it depicts the landmarks, great beauty spots, historic pubs, friendly restaurants, welcoming cafes and a myriad of stories to be discovered, along the route.   Order your copy from our ONLINE SHOP - now open.

We know that there are many walkers who already enjoy the estuary landscapes. We would love to hear about your experiences, see your photographs and hear your ideas on how signage, access or facilities along the trail might be improved over the coming years.  Please share using #ThamesEstuaryTrail.