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Walk Tonbridge Logo. Silhouette images of Tonbridge Castle, a walker with a backback and a wavy blue line for the river Medway. "Walk Tonbridge Festival"

We were excited when Walk Tonbridge approached us to see how Kent CRP could help them with this year’s Walk Tonbridge Festival.

 

The proposal was for Walk Tonbridge to lead a group on a long distance walk. At around 14 miles this would be a Tracks and Trails adventure in itself, but also serve as a warm-up event for the end of festival walking marathon.

 

For Kent CRP it was an opportunity to promote Tracks and Trails trips on the Medway Valley Line. The Medway Valley Walk is within easy reach of multiple stations along the line, ideal for breaking a longer trail into more manageable sections, or making Doorstep Discoveries on a Rail Trail ramble.

An information panel promoting "Three of Kent's Finest Walks". A map and information describe the Wealdway, Eden Valley Walk and Medway Valley Walk.
A wide river with ducks swimming towards camera. the far bank is lined with trees. The nearside path has bollards to tie up moored boats and buildings in an industrial warehouse style. Mike is walking ahead.
James and Mike walk along a grass lined trail through a field of sheep. The field is lined with trees and hedgerows. Roxy has stopped to take a photograph.

We set off from Tonbridge Old Fire Station cafe, passing the information board outside Tonbridge Castle before joining the walk. 

Before long we were in the countryside, hearing bird song, watching sheep and seeing Kestrels hovering above the fields.

The river held interest too, with ducks, swans, houseboats and the sound of water rushing through weirs.

We made steady progress, Mike our volunteer walk leader made sure people were comfortable, and provided us with breaks to sit and eat, drink or simply watch the world go by.

 

A swan swimming on the river, close up.
James and Roxy pose for a picture leaning on the crossing handrail of a lock gate. Trees in full leaf form the backdrop.
Water flowing swiftly through a sluice

At Yalding, after nine miles of walking Bob decided to head home. There was a train due in just a few minutes and we saw it pass on its way to collect him as we continued onward.

A green houseboat moored beneath trees on the far bank of a river
A pale orange bracket fungus grows from the trunk of a tree

Lots of people were out enjoying the Boat and Bean Cafe and the Ramblers Rest at Wateringbury, where the Medway Valley Walk turns briefly away from the river to pass the site of Tutsham Oil Mill.

Boats moored on the river, with more out of the water in a marina on the far bank. A bridge crosses the river ahead. The sky is a bright blue with light cloud.
James, Roxy and Mike walk past a row of white weatherboarded cottages.
Roxy and James walk along an asphalt path between trees

The facilities at Teston Bridge Country Park were welcome, but with the group feeling that they were now on the home straight we opted to skip a stop at the coffee hut.

 

We arrived at East Farleigh just as a train was leaving. Our subsequent break for refreshing drinks in the garden of The Victory was interrupted by the sound of the level crossing warning and a quick dash across the footbridge followed.

 

The journey back to Tonbridge allowed time to talk about Railcards, GroupSave and planning further Tracks and Trails adventures.

 

If the smiles and positivity in the group are anything to go by, our first join venture with Walk Tonbridge has been a success. Participants will receive a follow up survey shortly. 

Walk Tonbridge Logo. Silhouette images of Tonbridge Castle, a walker with a backback and a wavy blue line for the river Medway. "Walk Tonbridge Festival"
Walk Tondridge Festival Sponsor Logos. Cooper Burnett Solicitors, Tonbridge School, Walk Tonbridge Festival, Absolute Creative Print, Hilden park Chartered Accountants, MR AMES the best kept secret in tea, Fit Feet Podiatary, Tonbridge Old Fire Station.
Logo for Sustain. The "t" in Sustain is shaped like a red cross. "Sustain, nourishment in time of need"
Tracks and Trails logo

We would like to express our gratitude to Walk Tonbridge for inviting us to work with them to deliver this walk as a Tracks and Trails adventure.

 

The annual Walk Tonbridge Festival is in its 6th year, raising funds for the Sustain community food bank.

 

The Walk Tonbridge Festival is organised and managed by volunteers, who have secured support and sponsorship from a range or local partners.

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