Dartford to Gravesend with artist Susie Bear

Trail from Dartford to Gravesend with artist Susie Bear 

Another unique InspiralLondon unique watery commons exploration through South London to the origins of the in/spiral

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.” (TS Eliot – from Little Gidding)

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A new entanglement of the UEL Art Foundation encounter with InspiralLondon as part of their continuing Cultural Landscapes walks: “This process based student project is an example of how intuitive research can enfold us into a material tapestry of collective understanding” Dr Mikey Georgeson.

The Thames footpath leads from Dartford (Bridge Development) down to Gravesend, passing through the old Littlebrook power station site, down to Greenhithe (Ingress Park), where there is plenty of historical sites to encounter. We will then wind our way through the conservation area – Botany Marsh Northfleet (to the south part of Swanscombe Marsh peninsula). Swanscombe marsh recently became a SSSI protected by Natural England as one of the most bio-diverse parts of the city’s watery commons. Home of rare invertbrates like the jumping spider.  Swanscombe Marsh also retains the ghostly memory of our prehistoric origin.

The route then becomes quite industrial wending through Northfleet before reaching Gravesend and the Statue of Princess Pocahontas. We will finish at Gravesend Leisure area where there are plenty of places for refreshments – near to the train station.  Gravesend has excellent train links back to London. This walk will take around four hours including stops.

This exploratory Hydrodetour is a collaboration between InspiralLondon and UEL Visual Arts foundation.

With thanks to Susie Bearman, UEL Foundation and Dr. Mikey Georgeson.

Meet at Dartford Station 1.30pm on Saturday 30th October for short bus ride to start walk.

Finish approx. 5pm near to Gravesend Station.

Please come prepared for weather conditions and wear good walking boots/shoes. It is worth bringing light refreshments and water. Please sign up our eventbrite – donations welcome.

Images: Susie Bear 2021