Sustainable Tourism Guided Walk

Harrietsham station to Hollingbourne station

17th September 2026

A group of over 20 people pose for a picture outside a station

Image – Southeastern

Working in collaboration with the North Downs Way National Trail ‘Putting Down Routes’ project, Kent CRP managed a 4 mile guided walk from Harrietsham railway station to Hollingbourne railway station. Twenty one members of Southeastern’s Communications Team attended as part of a team building day.  The Putting Down Routes project, a collaboration between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, is transforming the National Trail into a safer, more inclusive and accessible route where everyone is welcome.  Together we all aim to bring more sustainable and accessible tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round by bringing participants in by train.  The original guided walked planned for July needed to be postponed due to the red extreme weather warning of over 30 degree temperatures.

Artwork for an information panel Welcome to Harrietsham Station. Map of a section of the North Downs Way and connecting routes between the trail and stations. Information on local places of interest

Prior to the walk some time was spent at Harrietsham station with Rob Hall, Station Manager and Caroline Williams, Communications and Engagement Manager, Putting Down Routes who discussed the programme and the benefits to those provided with guided walks along the Downs.  Therese shared the Harrietsham History Society’s plans for their station adoption including the role Harrietsham station played during the world wars depicted within boards to be displayed within the passenger shelter on platform 2, a map board illustrating a history walk around the village and planters to brighten up the platform.

 

A group of people listen to Therese presenting outside a station
A group of over 20 people are descending from a station footbridge onto a paved path. The sky is grey, People are wearing raincoats, most with hoods up, it is raining.
A group of people walk along a gravel path in woodland. The sky above is grey.

Image – Southeastern

Therese talks to a group of people on a woodland path. She is pointing to trail markers on a wooden post beside the path.
A wooden post bearing a variety of trail waymarkers.
Small pale pink flowers protruding among brown and green leaves on the woodland floor.

Image – Southeastern

The route was mostly walked in a comfortable temperature averaging around 14º with light drizzle at times. The 24 walkers including the support team of three began the hilly accent through the idyllic tunnel of cherry trees from Harrietsham station to the gently undulating NDW national trail with its many striking views which were enjoyed throughout the trail.  Points of interest were shared along the way including farming methods, fauna and flora, history and pilgrims.  We met a few walkers walking in the opposite direction, the most notable were a couple from Canada who were walking the whole 153 miles of the NDW.

Therese talks to a group of people on a woodland path.
Therese talks to a group of people admiring painted murals on a wall. The murals depict nuns and monks riding bicycles past a signpost.
A group of people walk along a gravel path in woodland. The sky above is grey.
A group of people walk along a gravel path in woodland.
A group of people walk along a gravel path in woodland. Behind them is an open field on a hillside. The sky above is grey.

Unfortunately, some time was lost when the last footpath sign was missed resulting in less time being available at Hollingbourne station to view the Signal Box Café.  All said they enjoyed the Rail to Trail, and some said they would like to return to walk other parts of the route.  Those who visited the café said they were impressed and noted the high numbers visiting at that time.

A group of people walk along a path across a field. Behind them are open fields on a hillside. The sky above is grey.
A group of people walk along a path across a field. Behind them are open fields on a hillside. The sky above is grey.
View form a footbridge at a station. A group of people are boarding a train.

Image – Southeastern

Thank you to Gary Outram and Caroline Williams for supporting Therese Hammond on this guided walk.

 

Feedback has been requested and will be added once received.

 

Loading