Maidstone's Big Day Out Rail Ramble, Saturday 14th June 2025

A group of walkers on a wide gravel path between grass verges. To their left are boats moored on a river

Working in collaboration with Maidstone’s Big Day Out, Kent CRP guided this walk along the river Medway from Wateringbury into the town centre, one of many events taking place that day to celebrate Maidstone’s Big Day Out.

 

At the station another group of around 30 people had arrived by train from London for their own circular Rail Ramble. It was heartening to see so many people enjoying a Days Out By Rail adventure.

 

Gary gave a few insights into the station’s history before our group of 7 walkers began their journey. After crossing the level crossing we turned onto the towpath that would take us through green spaces all the way to Maidstone.

The East Farleigh Cruising Club was preparing for a fun day, with lots of boats moored at their club site displaying colourful bunting. The barbeque and tombola had not started, so we carried on, passing a mysterious wooden obelisk on our way to Teston country park.

 

At Teston, Gary shared the history of Teston Halt station, opened in 1909 when demand for the railway was still growing, closing some fifty years later.

One of our walkers, Peter added that Teston bridge features in the 1958 film, Dunkirk.

Continuing along the river we paused at East Farleigh, a village that was once synonymous with hop picking, the last working oast house closed in 1977. On our train journey to the start we had seen vineyards on the hillsides, a sign of changing tastes and changing climate. 

All of our walkers had arrived by train, with most having explored on other Rail Rambles with us before. Elisabeth had travelled down from London, keen to explore new places, Tracy from Medway is an advocate of family rail travel, promoting railcards, groupsave and kids for a quid offers that make Days Out By Rail so affordable. Her friends often forget she does not have a car when she shares picture of her own adventures. 

A group of people pose for a picture on a bridge, with the clock tower of a church in the background

Everyone said they would like to join us for another walk. 


We thanked everyone for coming and took the opportunity to give Michael Harden a volunteer recognition certificate for his regular help on our guided walks.

 

We hope our walk will inspire you to explore the Kent countryside by train, participants will receive a survey shortly seeking their feedback. 

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