Capstone Park -Chatham

Terns Feeding

We went to Capstone Country Park - a place that complements the parks of Shorne and Camer.  Tucked in the valley that runs from Bredhurst past the Hempstead Valley that leads down into Luton where Gillingham looms over the edge of the hills.  Assets include free parking.




I am not a Chatham fan.  I used to live just outside in Walderslade and on Bluebell hill; the first we described in our address as near Chatham and the second as near Rochester.  I went to school in Chatham, served my time as an apprentice in Chatham Dockyard, got drunk in Chatham and all the things you do in any town, I did in Chatham.  But I have never liked the place.  I have resisted going there since I returned to the UK until recently.

A Friendly Meeting

Recently with my camera in tow and my sketch book with a friend and fellow artist I have explored the Chatham Dockyard. It was an interesting experience and has created some art for me and a project that needs putting together.  So, when Sister suggested swanning off to Capstone Country Park I was sceptical. Delving through the maps and recalling that we have been to many places in Kent I gave in and agreed to go.




Apart from the gloomy weather,

Gorse Flower in February

grey cloud with a little sunshine here and there, wind and the hint of rain, I was pleasantly surprised by what was on offer.  Aware of the vast expanse of housing estates,Victorian terrace housing, grim rows of slate roofed houses and the mess of roads that are clogged with traffic, the ugly buildings and the encroaching tide of commercial building and housing it was with some trepidation I approached the park.



I expected and got the usual blockhouse cafeteria and overkill on the barriers with signs carrying regulations and perhaps a little too keen on management of resources but was not expecting the well laid out paths and trails that were integrated so well with other activities.  The lake is artificial but looks near natural and the visitor centre looks as if some care was taken to place it in the woods without it dominating.

Flying Jay

The tracks are color coded and one can walk short walks or long ones with the option of using the public footpaths to places beyond the park.  People beside the lake fed the birds which was evident from the flock of Terns, the ducks and the fat swans that gathered close to the cafeteria walkway. Moorhens and Coots sailed on the water and above them on the island were a flock of Cormorants sitting in the branches of a large tree.   A little gaggle of geese begged for food on the pathway and wisely Zoid the Oid was led past them on the grass a few metres distant.

We walked the perimeter with a few excursions and had the pleasure of seeing a Jay dancing for its food, and passed the time of day with a local Horseman and his daughter.  A treat was to talk with a gent on a mountain bike whose companions were two friendly Greyhounds.

A bacon sandwich and a vegie burger washed down with coffee at the cafeteria was a welcome break before we set off again to walk the middle bits.  We managed the fitness trail - wearing ourselves just thinking about the exercises we were  expected to do.  Eek!  My sister explained that when she lived in Lordswood Estate she and her husband would take their children to the park and at one time she was involved with planting trees.  We found the plantation plus the place where small reptiles were encouraged, a rock strewn area ideal for lizards and snakes.  Good stuff.

Sharsted Farm and a footpath to Lordswood

Apart from walking the park caters for Mountain Bikes, Horse riding with some extensive and newly devised Bridleways, a ski practice slope, an excellent children's playground and a few areas for educational purposes plus an events building.  Quite a comprehensive range and all within walking distance of Chatham ( or a bus ride).