It was an unexpected start to the day when early morning reports of a landslip between Cuxton and Strood left us wondering who would still be coming along for our Rail Ramble.

We needn’t have worried, neither wind nor rain nor rail replacement bus services shall stay these walkers from the completion of their rail rambling and a group of eighteen gathered at Halling station to walk through the Kent Downs AONB to Cuxton.

Gary gave a brief introduction of our work and a history of the line and the station before we set off.
We stopped to admire views of the Medway Valley, catch our breath after the climbs and to hear a little of the North Downs Way and the beautiful places we were walking through.

There was a little wind and rain but it was of the jackets on, jackets off variety that nobody minded.

The skies were darkening, as we descended into Cuxton, with most of the group heading to the White Hart for some well earned refreshment.

A day much enjoyed by all, showcasing the beautiful countryside accessible from one of the Rail Trails from our Medway Valley Line stations.

The walk met the aims of both Kent Community Rail Partnership and the North Downs Way Ambassador programme. All of participants made a journey by rail (replacement bus service), and learned about our activities and local history. Many provided additional trade to the local economy too.