The Swale National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve in Kent, England, characterized by its extensive coastal and wetland environments. This expansive area features vast saltmarshes, mudflats, grazing marshes, and shingle shores, all shaped by the tidal forces of the Swale estuary. The predominantly flat terrain and open landscapes provide a unique setting for outdoor pursuits, making it suitable for several sports like road cycling, touring cycling, hiking, jogging, and more.
113
Routes
4.5
(202)
Average rating
1956
People visited

4.6
(9)
23
riders
25.4km
01:33
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(4)
38
riders
45.7km
02:46
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(2)
29
riders
48.4km
02:52
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
20
riders
21.0km
01:28
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
23
riders
47.5km
02:03
270m
270m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

21
riders
48.2km
01:59
260m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

20
riders
107km
04:31
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

18
riders
44.2km
01:55
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
18
runners
9.75km
01:07
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(15)
101
hikers
7.48km
01:54
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(17)
94
hikers
9.30km
02:22
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(16)
69
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(14)
78
hikers
12.1km
03:04
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(5)
38
riders
57.7km
03:04
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
riders
28.2km
01:39
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
riders
14.8km
00:49
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(5)
17
riders
23.0km
01:22
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
23
riders
15.3km
00:49
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
9
riders
32.9km
01:45
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
19.9km
01:12
90m
90m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
28.8km
01:51
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Swale National Nature Reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities. These include Road cycling, Touring cycling, Hiking, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The reserve's flat terrain and extensive network of paths are suitable for various skill levels.
The reserve is characterized by coastal and wetland environments, including vast saltmarshes, mudflats, grazing marshes, and shingle shores. These features are shaped by the tidal forces of the Swale estuary. The terrain is predominantly flat, offering open landscapes.
Yes, a dedicated guide for road cycling is available. It provides information on various routes within the reserve. Explore options through the Road Cycling Routes in The Swale National Nature Reserve guide.
Hiking routes are available across the reserve's flat terrain and extensive paths. Information on various trails can be found in the Hiking in The Swale National Nature Reserve guide. Paths can be muddy, especially during wet periods.
Yes, the reserve offers routes suitable for families. These trails typically feature flat terrain and accessible paths. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in The Swale National Nature Reserve guide for specific options.
Yes, dog-friendly hiking routes are available within the reserve. It is advisable to check specific trail regulations regarding dogs. Information can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in The Swale National Nature Reserve guide.
The reserve is an internationally important wetland site, known for exceptional birdwatching, especially wildfowl and waders. Notable species include Brent Geese, Marsh Harriers, and Avocets. Other wildlife includes brown hares, water voles, and occasionally grey seals.
Yes, the reserve provides options for traffic-free cycling. These routes offer a quieter experience away from vehicular traffic. Specific routes are detailed in the Traffic-free bike rides in The Swale National Nature Reserve guide.
The Swale National Nature Reserve is a popular destination, with more than 39,000 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the area hold an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 stars, based on nearly 3,000 ratings.
The official website for information regarding the reserve is elmleynaturereserve.co.uk. This resource provides further details about the area and its management.
For inquiries related to The Swale National Nature Reserve, the contact phone number is +44 01795 664896. This number can be used for general information.

