"Putting Down Routes" Tracks and Trails Ramble from Cuxton Station, Saturday 25th October.
The Kent Downs National Landscape Putting Down Routes team partnered with Kent Community Rail Partnership and North Downs Way Ambassadors to deliver the Cuxton and Ranscombe Farm Circular Tracks and Trails Ramble. Together we bring under-represented groups into the Kent Downs, encourage sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round. Putting Down Routes walks are open to all.
A total of 14 walkers enjoyed a 6 mile circular walk taking in the stunning chalk downland and farmland of Ranscombe Farm, the impressive Darnley Mausoleum, village of Cuxton and Britain’s newest National Nature Reserve, North Kent Woods and Downs NNR. Walkers came from near and far, including Medway, Ashford and Croydon.
We began by passing through Cuxton village to find a bridge that takes the North Downs Way across the London – Dover mainline railway. We were then in woodland with extensive views across Dean valley and Bush valley. The Autumn colours in the trees and landscapes were a joy to behold.
The anticipated mud largely failed to appear as we crossed wildflower meadows under blue skies into Cobham Woods, passing a variety of fungi before emerging at the Darnley Mausoleum.
Image – Katie Smith
The mausoleum was intended to be the last resting place of the Earls of Darnley. Completed in 1786, the Bishop of Rochester refused to consecrate the grounds and it was never used for burials.
The Darnley family sold Cobham Hall in the 1950s, leaving the woods and the mausoleum unwatched. The mausoleum suffered vandalism and an arson attack, finally being restored before its transfer to the National Trust in 2014.
Image – Katie Smith
Image – Katie Smith
Having returned to Cuxton some of the group visited the pub for refreshments, bringing tourist spend to the local economy. Others made straight for the station to complete their onward journeys.
Everyone was smiling and had enjoyed the walk. There had been friendly conversation and laughter throughout, with many people planning their next Tracks and Trails adventure.
We hope our walk will inspire you to explore the Kent countryside by train, participants will receive a survey shortly seeking their feedback.
