Train Travel Training and Sustainable Tourism Guided Walk, 29 October 2025
Working in collaboration with Sarah Moon and the Kent Downs National Landscape ‘Putting Down Routes’ project, Kent CRP undertook train travel training and a guided walk on the North Downs Way for Ashford College adult learners for whom English is spoken as another language (ESOL) and 2 of their tutors. Thirty four students were booked to attend the event however, rain and temperatures of between 8 and 9 degrees were forecast for the duration of the guided walk resulting in 21 brave and adventurous students taking part. The students were from Somalia, Uganda, Afghanistan, Syria, Ethiopia, Brazil, Congo, Kazakhstan, Nepal and Iran. The collaboration aims to bring more sustainable tourism to the area by bringing participants in by train, to extend the typical summer tourist season to year round and to share the area with less represented members of our community.
We began our train travel training at Ashford International station and continued during the journey to Harrietsham station. Here the guided walk began along the North Downs Way to Hollingbourne station. The weather was dull and drizzly with low cloud; however, it didn’t dampen our spirits. The 25 strong group began the stunningly beautiful slow climb north from Harrietsham station through the cherry tree lined route displaying awesome autumn shades of ginger, gold and red up to the trail before turning west towards Hollingbourne. Impressive sweeping vistas of the Kent Downs were seen from the trail. The gentle route took in many places of interest including vineyards, a fishing lake, rosehip and elderflower bushes, varying farming techniques and ended at the impressive Signal Box café managed by the Hollingbourne Station CIC. After some much earned and delicious refreshment the group reinforced their travel training messages on the return train journey back to Ashford International. After surveys and thanks, the event ended.
All had used trains previously within the UK – London being the most popular destination. None had visited the North Downs Way and many expressed surprise at how beautiful the English countryside is and would very much like to visit again. All said they learnt from the train travel training and had gained greater confidence in travelling by train. Everyone asked if more events like this could be delivered!
Student quotes:
“We are very grateful when can we do this again?”
“Thank you so much you are very kind”
“I feel very relaxed here in the woods” – This 19yr old female student had come from Somalia.
