HIKE 21km Medway Valley - a journey through rural scenes and historical gems

Come and discover the charming Medway Valley in Kent. We hike a striking section of the famous Greensand Ridge and explore Kent famed as the "Garden of England". Admire the superb medley of wildlife, orchards, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and medieval history passing through Saxon villages and rich countryside. Even getting here we use the famous Medway Valley Line that follows the spectacular River Medway and get a taste of some of the most scenic views of South East England.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Linton Hill and Yalding Hill in a conservation area with a history dating back to the 1000s
• Admire Twyford Bridge - the oldest surviving medieval bridge in Kent
• See the beautiful historic village of Yalding that sits where three rivers meet and was recorded in Saxon times
• Walk along part of the famous Greensand Ridge
• Visit the quaint cafe at ''Teapot Island'' - which gives its name to an island in the river and is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for holding largest teapot collection
• Walk the tranquil ''tow path'' of the Medway

HIKE DESCRIPTION

An exciting day of exploring the rural parts of Kent gives us the chance to enjoy the region’s rich history and diverse wildlife. Changing trains at Tonbridge, we travel along the famous Medway Valley train line that closely follows the river and was built to serve Kent's hop growing and brewing industries.

This rail journey gives us a taste of the beautiful rustic landscape and scenery to come. We follow the River Medway before crossing an ancient medieval bridge and heading up the valley side onto the Greensand Ridge, admiring an array of historic buildings on our trail.

We stay high on the ridge which offers fabulous views as we wander through orchard after orchard until we reach the top of Linton Hill, taking in the panoramic views over the Weald of Kent. We descend back into the valley to pass by picturesque hamlets, oast houses, country houses and a water mill. We finish the hike in the quaint village of Yalding for a well deserved drink at a local pub.

MEETING POINT

Charing Cross station 8:35am, leave at 8:50am for the 9:04am train. Meet in front of the ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 7:21pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - KEVIN 07918 329854 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 13 miles (21km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 240m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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