A group of seven assembled at Halling station to walk up into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Gary presented a brief piece on the history of the station before the group set off, following a route inspired by Robin Bourner from the Friends of Cuxton Station. The Blue Lake looked resplendent in the glorious morning sunshine, our guests guessed correctly that the beautiful colour comes from chalk particles suspended in the water which reflect the sky above.

After a steep climb affording extensive views of the Medway Gap we found brief shelter from the sun as we joined the North Downs Way, shaded by trees and then crossed Dean Valley, passing modern vineyards to reach Upper Bush. The scenes were ones of peace and tranquility.

After viewing the ancient hamlet and the more modern waymarking stone for the North Downs Way, we returned through the woods, emerging to views of the Medway Viaducts, before descending to the community Garden of Remembrance and the church of St Michael and All Saints.

Our final steps took us on to Cuxton station, although we all found time to refresh at the White Hart before our onward journeys.

The walk met the aims of both Kent Community Rail Partnership and the North Downs Way Ambassador programme. Everyone who took part arrived by rail, contributed to the local economy and learned about our activities, the North Downs Way, local history and the Kent Down AONB.

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