Beach Wild Camp with Kent Survival. Big Hike Along the River Thames. Abandoned Forts.

In this video, I am down in Kent with Andy (Kent Survival) to explore a stretch of the Thames shore line and camp on a remote beach.
Our hike took us past two abandoned forts from the 1860s - Shornemead and Cliffe, built to defend the city of London during a time of unrest with France - one still having an original 1890 built torpedo launcher. After the forts we explored the old cement kilns once used as part of the aggregate works at Cliffe and then on to the massive gunpowder works at Cliffe marshes, long since abandoned and now home to thousands of grazing sheep.
Finally, after eight hours of walking, we reached our camp spot for the night - shattered, but feeling good after sixteen miles on the trail.
We gather a big pile of driftwood for our fire and settle down to relax and cook up a hearty corned beef stew, washed down with a couple of good ales and an evening of catching up and enjoying the sights and sounds of the marshes.
I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
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In all the good places - Headlund

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Here’s the link to Andy’s video folks. 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/raanZIp-Z8qgfK8

[@richardpeters4086]

However much my mates & I enjoy your videos, we are slowly getting infuriated by; > The crazy psycodelic twangy drug-enducing suicidal blue-grass din, echoing down our spines, for the first 5 minutes. It's just mad mate ! Of all the amazing music, in this World, you pick that shocking throat-slitting nonsense.......why ? > OK, so maybe you (& us) are ex-military, BUT, do you have to march around "in-step", swinging arms in perfect syncronised formation, in EVERY single flippin' scene, with your friend ? It's just rediculous mate !! (& really annoying)

[@stewartmeetball3417]

Simon id like to thank you.. if it wasn't for Andy and yourself. Im currently going through a divorce and it's not easy. Id have probably killed myself if it wasn't for the videos between yous 2... tha🎉 u

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

Always nice to see a dual appearance. Nothing like Simon with Andy on a trip. The good food and friendship is awesome.

[@ulrichminky9495]

My hiking days are long past. I can barely make it from bed to chair some days. However I did hike quite a bit back in the day. I am sitting here enjoying your fire with you, thinking how lovely it must be to not have to be concerned with bears, wood ticks, and poison ivy. I never ever gave it much thought back when I was able, but I now wish I had come and hiked in Britain. Cheers from the left edge of Canada. ~ulrich

[@jonahtwhale1779]

Try car camping. Gets you out in the open air but without the heavy lifting.

[@KrasherJack]

Cheers from the Right edge of Canada

[@papajeff5486]

Cheers, from east Tennessee

[@sophiegeorge2816]

I love the fact that you can be walking with a friend and not feel the need to talk I have a couple of friends like that and we don’t feel the need to fill the gaps with needless stuff

[@KentSurvival]

excellent mate, a great night (resting my feet lol)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 It was superb mate - thank you!

[@jno5]

You two make the best outdoors videos and when you’re together they are even better. I hope the next one is a truck camp….

[@erockoutdoors633]

They do compliment each other well, don't they. Both make easy to watch videos and when together, it is interesting to see their individual perspectives of the same trip.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Coming up! 😉😁

[@markpinther9296]

Two of my favorite camping dudes from GB together! Cool!

[@bushcraft.survivalinukrain9371]

Hey! Good video, interesting to watch. I lived alone in the forest for nine months, getting great pleasure from communicating with nature. But due to the military invasion of my country, I had to return to the city. But I still have a video archive with my adventures

[@jacksg1809]

Going to give it a watch 🙂

[@rgober60]

Praying for Ukraine and her people.🙏🕊💜

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you mate! Praying that all this craziness will end soon and Ukraine can rebuild and recover. My heart is with you all!

[@bushcraft.survivalinukrain9371]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Thanks a lot! I wish you all a peaceful sky above your head

[@POMOLY]

Surprised that you lived alone in the forest for 9 months. How do you survive? lived in a tent?

[@MrScipio72]

Yourself and Andy remind me so much of myself and a mate when we used to go off on fishing trips on the south coast of Western Australia. 20 years ago but still remember them like yesterday. Love your quiet camaraderie.

[@MSJERSwenson]

Love watching you two...great comradery

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

This was so lovely I’d like to see you guys camp on this secluded quiet wee Beach again It was delightful to see Thanks lads

[@gypsywine]

There's never a wasted shot in your videos Simon and now the drone footage just adds so much to some locations.

[@RubberTramping]

Simon a bloke down south, Simon a bloke by the river, Simon a bloke on a bike, Simon a bloke in the woods, an other great video 👍

[@AncientHermit]

A winning combination as ever. You two just mesh together so well on a camp or trip or both. Be well Simon.

[@rejenvelo9075]

I'm always amazed by the quality of your videos. It seems that a whole filming crew is going along when you're on your own...pretty much. Thanks for sharing.

[@thizizliz]

It's always great to see you two out and about together. Of course that last breakfast has my mouth watering. Looks like a great hike/camp

[@MegaSusanc]

Awesome as always Simon and Andy. Y'all are terrific. Just awesome indeed. Thanks for sharing your awesome adventures. GOD BLESS YOU KEEP ADVENTURING

[@anndebaldo7381]

Hey Simon, love your videos! Whether a bloke in the woods, in a canoe or along the shore! And love your camps with Andy - you guyes are great! and I just told Andy - it's like "two for the price of one!" Two videos with different perspectives! Love it! And ATB

[@NewHampshireJack]

Wonderful to catch a view and learn some history about the many historical sites around the world. Growing up, my Grandfather would retell his story about his time in the US Army Coast Artillery during WW1. We did not live too far from the actual fort, now a designated historic site, where he was stationed. Even after the stroke that eventually claimed his life and with slurred speech, he accurately related how the spotters would determine range and triangulate on a target, often hitting on the first shot. No easy task because you wanted that heavy artillery shell to hit NOT where the target is but where it will be when impact occurs thousands of yards in the distance. Target practice would often take out house windows in the little town of Hull Massachusetts. The heavy guns are long gone but at least the concrete gun emplacements and magazines remain. Homes built to house personal below the fort still stand but are privately owned. In fact, one of my great Uncles was born in one of those homes! Now, in semi-retirement in the Philippines, I get to enjoy excursions to places like Corregidor Island at the mouth of Manila bay. Well preserved and left exactly as it was at the end of WW2 but reforested. The only new addition is a nice little hotel (The Corregidor inn) for those desiring a longer stay than a day trip. Camping also permitted

[@wobba1981]

I live less than 2 mile from Cliffe fort, love this walk and camp spot…… have to feel energetic for it!!

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Doing a spot of wildcamping myself this evening near the River Trent in Notts, I love this time of year. Looking out at 9.45pm and appreciating it's still light!

[@JanetOutdoors]

Great to see two of my favourite youtubers in the same video 😀

[@reddread7]

I lived in the Dartford area most my life and I loved the quiet unpopulated areas on the outer banks of the river Thames

[@CraigSheppard]

Those lights in the distance at night and the barren landscape made this camp feel like some sort of post-apocalyptic movie! Kind of eerie...

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Simon and Andy. 👍🙂

[@dudleyedge1374]

I cant believe you had corned beef and then Andy made that breakfast ! SHTF, I sticking with Andy's cooking lol

[@lisacopley4198]

Two best blokes on KZbin for me. Oh and RickT obvs We’ll done lads as always Honest …. Cheers Tony

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Great video Simon loved the drone shots they really gave the forts perspective but as you said showed the true expanse of that factory

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherAU]

Nothing like a cigar and a brandy watching Uncle Simon go bush!

[@judithfaber2667]

Brown sauce is essential with Corned Beef Hash!😊

[@mlove2383]

First time seeing you, Simon do the video. You r into..History & Andy into food. I am enjoying the scenery & background History. God Bless

[@frogmorepipester7490]

Thank you for toting along all that camera equipment. I bought a tripod for my IPhone and tried to film fifteen minutes of content, and, it drove me nuts. You all are dedicated video makers: Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry:

[@jimlydle4170]

"Old crumbling relics"? Never you're both in your prime 😂😂good vid as always lads looking forward to more.

[@mannaztribe]

Was recommended your channel by a friend. My youngest son (7yrs) loves it. We are planning a pre-Father's Day wild camp (on Sat 18th June) and will be watching the sun set as it's very near the Solstice. How about a shout out to all the dads to get on to this and do the same thing? It would be a great thing to do, then home for a big Father's Day breakfast. You'd be in a good position to promote it Simon...

[@atcay81]

Awesome video buddy fantastic watch, loved the beach camping a lot!!! Cat OZ 🙃😎🏖️👍👍👍

[@Mikes_carnivore_journey]

Team Bushcraft strikes again!! Awesome to see the two of you video together! Love all your videos Simon!⛺ 🔥🪓🥩🥓

[@marknthetrails7627]

Always a pleasure watching and seeing the areas I don't have a chance to see. 👍✌🥃

[@robynmarler3839]

Ha ha ha! I thought that puff ball was an air raid shelter! X

[@steveroberts1422]

Great food and a wonderful spot... can't wait for the next instalment. Now I will watch andy's video👍

[@alexstueve5665]

You fellas sure know how to cook! Cheers from the US!

[@DGotti-jy9go]

Чудово!!!🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍

[@saundrasimko2539]

Ben Watson Andy's channel for a while now and you always know if Andy's cooking you're eating good and probably something unique and yummy

[@johnashcroft-jones6091]

Great vid Simon, it's interesting to see the same trip from another POV. A first for me to see, thanks to Andy as well.

[@martijndikken]

Lovely adventures..I love the sound of the larks and cuckoo

[@runvidr]

I really enjoyed the drone footage of the two forts and the gunpowder factory. Thanks for bringing us along. I know it's not easy, but it's greatly appreciated!

[@kingrafa3938]

Everytime you two doing camping together, it makes me hungry after watching the video. The food looks tasty and delicious 😋 #Bromance

[@Laubasss]

Awesome to see you join up!

[@johnashcroft-jones6091]

Great show, I'm following all your work and really like 'The cut....' . I'm 73 so I now Bikepack and living in The Smoke was planning all sorts of extend trips via rail with fully kitted EMTB with all camping, fishing and photographic gear. Keep up your documentary style showing ruins around the country.

[@0Meka0]

😊😊hey simon & kent!💙💙💙💙

[@backpackingireland8624]

Great video lads ! Reminds me of myself and my oldest buddy ! We hike every second weekend. Easy company can’t beat it with a pal . You too get on great ! Outstanding video yet again. Atb Tony 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@dubsnbuds6668]

Well done guys I find 17miles is my max with full 70ltr pack, the feeling in the morning that someone has been beating the feet with a bat, tender for the first 5 mins, 😂, great adventure loved tagging along, cheers

[@craiglake6091]

Great video Simon. It's always good to see the history passing by as you hike. Cheers!

[@Aby7799]

Dynamic Duo!!

[@1967AJB]

I’ve not commented for a while as life has been full on and I’m knacked, but I’m still here, still watching and loved that one pal. The content was great, but the atmosphere was heaven, just at the moment I could sit on that beach and listen to those birds for the rest of my life. Thank you for all the effort I know it takes.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks matey! Hope you’re well 👍👍

[@walkingthemiles4613]

Awesome video! I feel exhausted just watching

[@ronaldmoore2336]

#8 on comments. Finally in the top 10 of the first to see your post. It seems I say this every time I watch. Thanks so much for taking us along.

[@scottjohnson4711]

Two good mates 😎

[@mikebruce6234]

What a spot you camp. 👍🏻

[@oddmanout98]

Brilliant camp out Simon. Bit late getting to watch this one but great to see never the less. That was a long walk with full packs on board too. We’ll done. Atb. Paul.

[@user-kanpf8jd9uv6v]

YOU video is very good, I watch it from Thailand.👍

[@carpenterpilot487]

Andy!! wow nice breakfast, Simon yes nice area looking foreword Andy and you do a lot more camps together.

[@RoamingQuinn]

We used to walk there from Tilbury when I was in Scouting. Ferry over to Gravesend then follow the river. 👍👍

[@josephinebennington7247]

Been walking/exploring/birding that whole area since my teens in the 1970s. Never ever lost its fascination and draw for me. When Canvey Island was an active oil refinery the lights and the flares were a wonderful noisy sight. We weren’t thinking pollution in those days.

[@mickybetts7957]

Epic!!! What an awesome place! Love them graffiti buildings. Shame about the litter mind. Looking forward to seeing Andy's vid too.

[@DayHughesHikes]

Love watching you 2 collab, I always watch them back to back. Appreciate the effort you both put into you're videos for our entertainment. Thank you.. Day

[@POMOLY]

A meaningful hiking trip. Your breakfast is great, maybe try cooking with a stove. Enjoy your beach camping trip.

[@duaneho555]

Great views and great looking food. Thanks for the video.

[@markc6207]

Great video. Andy looked wiped out lol. That corned beef stew looked good.

[@denaredford6701]

The location was beautiful .

[@terry24281]

You guys are amazing watch both of your adventurers keep it up guy's

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Very nice & informative video Simon 👍🤘. Next up is Andy's 👊. The only thing missing in that breakfast wraps, was some gtatted cheese 😋😃 & hot sauce 😉

[@WelshGallivanter]

Nice one guys 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@UnPetitPique]

Thanks for filming!

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Love seeing the boys back together! This is my favorite KZbin team up, I never miss a Simon and Andy video. Cheers!

[@mesmogruvinski]

Wow, it was so good to hear the skylarks. I dont hear them where i am. The campsite was fantastic with the lights over the estuary. Shame you didnt film in the full moon. That must have been incredible. Thank as ever for creating such informative and entertaining content. I learn a little every time.

[@johndebolt5853]

Hi Simon and Andy, thanks for the great video as always. Team work makes the dream work. Nice job Andy. Cheers. Be well and safe.

[@outdoorpoormet9447]

That's alot of hiking , for a couple old guys with heavy packs. Hahaha Much respect. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ponganuntsnubnaen4767]

Hi Simon&Kent Big fan from Pattaya Thailand, thank you for inspiring me and my family to go outdoors life , nice to see you both together

[@louiseisobel]

aww bless Andy's feet!! Totally loving the adventures you guys have together and separately! Thank you :)

[@Kenbur]

Awesome I get to be the 68th commenter. Simon as always a great vid. Thanks so much for taking the time to take us along. History and hiking go well together always enjoy that part of your videos. ATB to you and Andy

[@matsfrisk3653]

Lovely video! Good food and beer. Really enjoyid it. Thank´s!

[@treksntarps]

Great adventure , camp and food . Heading over to Andy's version now . Take care Simon👍

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Cracking trip lads. Gotta say your corned Beef hash looked better than your Great Glen one on our trip last year lol 😆. Bit more moist. The Shackalackalackalacka looked ace too 👌. Love the history of the area and the drone footage definitely made that part of it. Nice one fellas, atb Rick n Billydog

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - especially after I dropped it in the sand 😂😂 This one was inspired by your legendary hash mate! 👍👍

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Haha, just packing it now for camp 1 on this year's charity trip 😀. Would be rude not to lol

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Have a great time dude!

[@scottengh1175]

Good to see 2 mates who I watch have a joint adventure.

[@brownsauce30]

Good afternoon gentleman. Good to see the old team together again.

[@JasonMcCann841]

Great little trip. Cheers guys.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

The guitar intro was beautiful and your B roll adds so much to the narrative. Love the collaboration and thanks for sharing your nice hike & camp!

[@herbsmith6871]

Very cool gentlemen! Great history on this trek🤠

[@Buffenmeyer]

Greetings from Pennsylvania, USA! Enjoyed the down to earth vibe of this trip with a couple of real British blokes! I have a mind to cross the pond and join you for an excursion some day! 😊🤣

[@Defender110SLO]

Realy owsome trip. 👌🏻 Cheers. 🍻

[@denaredford6701]

Very interesting adventure . 👍🏻

[@chriscjjones8182]

Always love when you 2 camp together and love your Fort videos. Now off to watch Andy's video

[@Damian-lz7mr]

Hi Simon, Honestly you have inspired me towards camping life style. Also Andy from Kent survival is a great outdoor content creator as well. Looking forward to enjoy your future content as well. Good luck 🙂

[@thebiglimey]

Awesome camp, awesome bits of history, makes me miss the being at home in the UK, but then Oregon USA does have its charms as well! But then there's none of Andy's Shakshuka....

[@ronnyhuysmans4120]

Back together awesome

[@yvettewilliamselliott8851]

Beautiful ‘Turner’ sky as the sun was going down 😊

[@WanderingMonck]

Excellent vid lads, enjoyed watching this one ….

[@Seamus3051]

Kudos. A very enjoyable video. Simon, your skills as a videographer, along with your choice of subject matter just continue to improve; you're becoming a film make to be reckoned with :-) Stay well Cheers.

[@stevemilne750]

Made andys breakfast many times but alway known it as african eggs.Great camp food even nicer with some good pork butcher sausages added to it.👌 Great video wish i could get out as much as you 2 do.

[@chucksmith5002]

Simon Thanks for taking us alone the Forts was very interesting Enjoyed it.