As the flowers bloom and the days grow hotter, summer in Kent is the perfect time to lace up your boots and explore the beautiful Yalding Rail Trail. This tranquil 6.2-mile linear route showcases the county's stunning early summer landscapes, taking walkers through peaceful orchards, across lush flood meadows, and along the picturesque Medway Valley.

Setting the scene:

Winding its way through the heart of the Kent countryside, the Yalding Rail Trail offers a delightful taste of rural life in the Garden of England. The trail treats walkers to a seamless blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage, with the occasional train chugging past as a reminder of the route's railway past.

Summer is an especially magical time to tackle this walk, with wildflowers carpeting the meadows, orchard trees heavy with blossom, and the long summer days providing ample time to soak up the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're seeking a scenic stroll or a more ambitious hike, the Yalding Rail Trail delivers with ease, serving up stunning scenery at every turn.

The Route:

1. Turn right out of Yalding train station and cross the tracks. After 100 meters, turn left onto a narrow footpath.

2. Follow this path over a field and into woodland, keeping the train line on your left. After 400 meters, turn left and cross the stile. Carefully cross the train tracks.

3. Follow the footpath through the site, passing to the left of and around a pond. Turn left over a stile and through an orchard, then out past the houses.

4. At the road, turn right and walk over Twyford Bridge. Just after the bridge, turn left and follow the footpath across the flood meadows known as The Lees.

5. At Lees Road, turn left, then after 150 meters turn left again. Cross Yalding Bridge and continue straight through the village, past the church and up to Yalding Tea Rooms.

6. At the War Memorial, turn right onto Vicarage Road and immediately left onto the footpath. Bear left then straight onto Mount Avenue.

7. Follow the avenue around to the right and take the footpath at the end through woodland, bearing left.

8. After 800 meters, turn right onto Lughorse Road and follow it uphill. Continue straight, then take the next footpath on the left next to the large oak tree.

9. Head uphill through farmland, then at the waymarker post halfway up the hill, turn left onto the Greensand Way long-distance path.

10. After 350 meters, turn right onto the byway and continue uphill until reaching Shingle Barn Lane. Turn left, then immediately right onto Small Profits lane.

11. Follow this country lane for around 2 km, enjoying the views down across the Medway Valley.

12. When you meet Hunt Street, cross over and go straight into the field, heading downhill. Turn left in front of the trees, then right opposite the houses.

13. Walk across the field to the houses, cross the track, and take the footpath diagonally downhill into Wateringbury.

14. At the end of the track, turn right and walk across Bow Bridge to reach Wateringbury train station.

Perfectly placed pit stop:

For a rewarding stop along the route, be sure to visit the Yalding Tea Rooms. This charming café serves up delicious homemade cakes, scones, and a range of other light bites - the perfect treat for weary walkers looking to refuel.

Those seeking something more substantial post-walk can continue on to The Boathouse, a stunning bar and restaurant located right on the banks of the River Medway, just a few minutes away from Yalding. This stylish waterside establishment offers beautiful riverside views to complement its tempting menus of delicious food and refreshing drinks. Whether you opt for a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or just a well-earned pint, The Boathouse's contemporary interiors and al fresco dining area make it an ideal place to rest and refuel after your walk. Dog owners will also appreciate the pub's pet-friendly outdoor seating.

Make a day of it:

After completing the Yalding Rail Trail, why not extend your day out by visiting the historic village of Yalding itself? Explore the 12th century St Peter and St Paul's Church, wander along the banks of the River Medway which flows through the heart of the village, or browse the independent shops and galleries dotted throughout this picturesque settlement.

Steps, stats, stiles

The Yalding Rail Trail is a moderate 6.2 mile (9.9 km) linear route that takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. While largely flat and straightforward, the walk does involve navigating 5 stiles, so a decent level of mobility is required. However, the trail's well-maintained footpaths and beautiful rural surroundings make it well worth the effort. Four-legged friends are also welcome to join, making it an ideal dog-friendly ramble in the Kent countryside.

Route followed:

This walk was originally created by Explore Kent. You can find the full route details and map at https://explorekent.org/activities/yalding-rail-trail-walk/