Medway Valley Walk - Yalding to Maidstone, June 2026

Selfie of Gary and Michael standing beneath the Double Arrow logo sign at Yalding station.

Whilst originally conceived as a group event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Maidstone River Park, a forecast of thundery showers throughout the day proved too off putting for our booked guests.

 

Ever adaptable, our volunteer walk assistant Michael and I set off to explore the Medway River Walk between Yalding and Maidstone, reframing the day as a wellbeing opportunity and sharing the experience to highlight how easy it is to explore this section of the Medway Valley Walk from stations along the adjacent Medway Valley line.

 

Unsurprisingly, we got wet. We also enjoyed spending time in nature with a huge range of flowers and wildlife to see. A particular highlight was the woodpecker that Michael pointed out to me, sadly too quick for the camera.

A narrow path beside a river, with a railing to prevent falls. A narrow unmade path bounded on one side by tall green vegetation, the other has lighter growth and glimpses of the adjacent river A path with a smooth sealed surface bounded on one side by tall green vegetation, the other has lighter growth and glimpses of the adjacent river

The Medway Valley Walk from Yalding to Maidstone is simple to navigate, you follow the path and keep the river to your right. Wherever you choose to join the route, there is very little interaction with motor traffic between the station and the trail, at most there will be the station car park and a single road to cross.

 

Toilets and refreshments are available along or the way or close by at the Boat and Bean or Ramblers Rest at Wateringbury, Teston Bridge Country Park, Little Fant Farm at East Farleigh, and at Lockmeadow in Maidstone.

 

Below are a few pictures from our 2025 Wateringbury to Maidstone walk following the same delightful riverside route.

A group of walkers on a path, a verge of shrubs and trees separates them from the river A house boat travelling along a river, the river banks are lush and green A group of walkers on a wide gravel path between grass verges. To their left are boats moored on a river

You can find details of other Maidstone River Park 25th Anniversary events here. If it’s showery when you visit on your own Days Out By Rail adventure, you may get wet but you’ll still have a great time.

 

In the words of John Jones, the Rainham Rail Enthusiast, “Get out there, get on the railway and see where it takes you.”

A rusted looking monolith placemaking sign for Maidstone River Park, set in a green verge at the edge of the path.

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