Kent Ramblers: Walk 16

Volunteer

Distance: 5.3 miles (2h 30m)

OS Map: Explorer 148 (Start at TQ702570)

Take footpath to right of church and soon reach junction. Take path on right heading south. Cross railway line and continue to The Rocks Road.

Turn right for 50 metres then take path on left initially along drive past oast houses with truncated roofs. Continue through gateway out into open field, initially with hedge on right but later with hedge on left. At top emerge through gate into Sweets Lane.

Turn left for 300 metres then immediately past entrance to driveway take bridleway on right between fences, soon taking sharp turn to left. Continue to asphalt track.

Turn right along track and after 300 metres follow it round to left. Continue with woodland on both sides along well-made track until in front of water tower converted to dwellings. Turn sharp left along track.

Follow track, soon with large quarry on right which can be glimpsed through trees in winter and heard at any time of year. Soon after passing gated asphalt driveway on right, take path on right with horse paddock on left and woodland strip on right. Keep going – down, up and then down again – and on reaching railway turn right.

At footbridge on left, cross then turn left along path with fence on left. After 1000 metres pass houses on right and emerge on Kiln Barn Road. Cross and take path through East Malling Research Station grounds. Immediately after first building on left you could visit Orchards Café for refreshment (closes 3pm). Otherwise continue forward following signs, soon along access driveway. When driveway bears right and sign forbids further pedestrian use, go forward along path between orchards, soon returning to church.

Points of Interest

East Malling Research Station

The parish is famous for its East Malling Research Station, founded in 1913 and now part of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.
The Station has a worldwide reputation for its research into fruit growing. The orchards can be viewed from a public footpath starting at the church.

Public Transport

The starting point of the walk is just a few minutes' walk from East Malling railway station on the main line from London to Maidstone.

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