Wateringbury to Yalding Rail Ramble, Saturday 15th October

Posted by Gary Outram on 20 October 20221 December 2022

A group of fourteen gathered at Wateringbury station to walk to Yalding, taking the long way round. Gary gave a brief introduction of our work and a history of the line and the station before we set off.

We stopped to admire views of the Medway Valley and to hear tales of Hop Picking, leading figures in the movement to abolish slavery and snippets of local history from Ben Crozier, a North Downs Way ambassador accompanying us on the trip.

A line of walkers crosses a green field. In the mid ground a line of trees and some cottages. There are more fields and woodland in the distance. The sky is blue — Ascending towards Small Profits

Walkers emerge from a path between trees. A way marker in the foreground shows the right of way. The sky is clear and blue — Walkers on an Explore Kent Rail Trail

Our route passed Hoppers Huts before descending to Yalding where Gary and Ben spoke about the haunted churchyard, and a battle of the English Civil War.

Three walkers cross a green field, there are mature trees in green leaf in the background. — Crossing Yalding Fen

The skies were greying, as we reached Tea Pot Island for refreshment, where we remained sheltered until the showers had passed.

A day much enjoyed by all, showcasing the beautiful countryside accessible from one of the Rail Trails from our Medway Valley Line stations.

A wrought iron sign depicting oast houses, an arched bridge, hop pickers on stilts and country scenes — Yalding

The walk met the aims of both Kent Community Rail Partnership. The majority of participants made a journey by rail, contributed to the local economy and learned about our activities and local history.

Keep an eye out for more led walks on our events programme.