Train Travel Training and Sustainable Tourism Guided Walk Charing to Lenham, 5 June 2025
Working in collaboration with Kent Downs National Lanscape’s ‘Putting Down Routes’ project, Kent CRP undertook train travel training and a guided this walk on the Kent Downs Way for 9 English for Speakers of Other Languages students and 3 of their tutors. Together we aim to bring more sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round by bringing participants in by train.
On Thursday 5 June we began our travel training at Ashford International station and continued during the journey to Charing station. Here the guided walk began along the Pilgrims Way/North Downs Way to Lenham station (approx. 6m/10KM). The weather was dull and drizzly however, it didn’t dampen our spirits. The 16 walkers began with a slow wander through the historic village of Charing before the pavement climb to join the footpath along the North Downs Way.
Impressive sweeping vistas of the Downs were seen from the trail. The gentle route took in many places of interest including a cob nut/hazel nut tree, varying farming techniques and the Lenham chalk cross. The route descended into Lenham village where after a short visit to St Mary’s church and an interesting discussion about house prices whilst viewing the properties in the estate agents window the group made their way to Lenham station for the return journey back to Ashford International.
All said they would like to join another walk, and no suggestions were forthcoming when asked for ideas for improving the walk. All also said they were now confident to travel by train independently.
