East Malling to East Farleigh, 20 Sep

Travel: 8.55 London Victoria to East Malling (Ashford train). 9.12 Bromley South. Meet East Malling 9.51, front of train. Return from East Farleigh is twice hourly on a different line, so you will need two tickets. Outward travel zone ends Swanley; from East Farleigh travel zone starts at Knockholt.  It may be cheaper to buy an advance single on the outward journey. 

Lunch. Please bring a packed lunch unless using a drop out point.

The walk is 9 miles in total, but is in 3 parts with possible drop out points at Wateringbury and West Farleigh.

From East Malling we take paths through woods and edge of orchards with a very little lane walking for 4 miles to Wateringbury on the river Medway. There are no climbs of note on this section.

At Wateringbury there will be a stop for 20 minutes or so at one of two cafes and there is also a pub option for those who may wish to end the walk here. The trainline for the return journey to London stops at Wateringbury. It also stops further towards London for anyone wishing to take an alternative extention along the Medway path south-westerly.

The second section of our walk has some notable but not lengthy climbs before reaching West Farleigh after about another 2.5 miles. We will use the pub for a drink and possibly a snack, but your lunch should be eaten off premises. There is a possible bus service from West Farleigh,  but it is not close to the pub.

The remainder of the walk to East Farleigh is downhill and then easterly along a very pleasant stretch of the Medway. There may be muddy areas. Poles may be advisory  for those not stopping at Wateringbury.

Leader: Tony