Guided walk on the Oasts and Orchards Rail Trail, Thursday 20th February.
Working in collaboration with Visit Maidstone, Explore Kent and North Downs Way National Trail, Kent Community Rail Partnership are guiding walks from our stations to explore the Kent countryside. Together we aim to bring more sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round.
On Thursday 20th February we were joined by 10 walkers for our Oasts and Orchards Rail Ramble for a 6 mile walk inspired by our Oasts and Orchards Rail Trail.
The forecast rain was holding off as we left the station, following the Hop Pickers Line Heritage Trail. The information panels at the station and along the route gave an opportunity to talk about the history of the line.
Paddock Wood station opened in 1842 as “Maidstone”, with a horse drawn carriage service connection passengers to the county town. The line to Maidstone West opened in 1844, at which point the station became “Paddock Wood”.
Our walk followed once rural paths that now skirt between new housing estates before striking south into the orchards for the out and back leg of our walk. The paths here were very muddy, slowing our progress.
In 1865 the South Eastern Railway introduced special hop pickers trains, substantially increasing the numbers of families who would come down from London in September to help with the harvest. Gary shared some tales of hop picking, the realities being those of poverty and destitution rather than the romanticised image of family holidays in the fields of Kent.
As the anticipated rain finally set in, Gary made the call to head back to the station a little sooner than planned.
Photos: Michael Harden
The countryside around Paddock Wood is delightful. On our route check walk we saw oasts, orchards, a buzzard, a kestrel and deer.
Photos: Michael Harden
Photos: Dominic Noades, Michael Harden, Dominic Noades
Having returned to Paddock Wood most of the group retired to local cafes for refreshment, bringing some tourist spend to the local economy. Everyone was smiling and had enjoyed the walk despite the mud and the rain.
We hope our walk will inspire you to explore the Kent countryside by train, participants will receive a survey shortly seeking their feedback.
