East Malling to East Farleigh, 4 May

This walk is now about 8.5 miles

Trains: 8.55 Train heading to Ashford from Victoria. Meet towards the front of the train at East Malling 9.51

Return is from East Farleigh to Charing Cross, changing at Paddock Wood, 2 per hour.The stations are on different lines, so 2 singles required. If you are in a hurry to buy a ticket, a return to Maidstone covers both routes.

Toilets on the train, otherwise only at Paddock Wood on the return change.

Food and drink: Please bring your own food and drink. We will have a short break at the Ramblers Rest in Wateringbury, a lovely cafe, but where there are currently portaloos only.

The lunchtime pub at West Farleigh has very long waiting times for food, so will be a stop for drinks only. There are fine views over the Medway valley at the picnic spot.

The walk: We very carefully cross the railway, then 4 miles to Wateringbury on woodland paths and short stretches of country lanes. There will be orchards and hopefully the bluebells will not be past their best. The station at Wateringbury provides an early drop out from an easy stroll.

We then climb out of the valley, with only one short ascent of any significance. But this route may still have boggy and muddy patches. They are not a major problem but sufficient to ensure that waterproof footwear is necessary,  and a pole could be useful.

There is a possible bus service at West Farleigh after 5.5 miles for anyone wanting a very long lunch and then finding their own way home.

After lunch, we go back down to the Medway and view medieval bridges and a lovely mile and a half stretch of the river to reach East Farleigh. 

Tony