River Medway Walks
Not to be confused with the Medway Valley Walk, this is our route taking in as much of the Medway riverbank as reasonably possible. The route still stretches from Kentish towns Tonbridge to Rochester but has been broken down into six achievable day walks.
You'll need OS Explorer Maps 136 and 148 to complete the sections.
On the way there is plenty to see. Numerous locks, modern and ancient bridges, weirs, castles, buildings old and new, pillboxes, tranquil views, towns and villages, churches, restored river boats and barges, canoeists and kayakers, a priory, alpacas, Spitfire flyovers, Kentish oasts and nature reserves, to name a few.
It's always nice to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat, although the decline in numbers is obvious to see. Look out for: buzzards, kestrels, kingfishers, grey herons, pink flamingoes, swans, geese, lapwings, cormorants and shelducks.
Hartlake Road Bridge to Tonbridge Castle
Distance: 6 miles (return)
Parking: Off road at Hartlake Bridge just east of Porter's Lock
A very easy and picturesque jaunt west along the riverbank following the Medway Valley Walk (MVW) path.
On reaching Tonbridge, cross the Cannon Bridge to follow the path to the castle. The castle grounds make an ideal lunch stop under the gaze of the 13th century twin-towered gatehouse.
Retrace your steps to return.
Hartlake Bridge to Branbridges Industrial Estate
Distance: 6.5 miles (return)
Parking: Off road at Hartlake Bridge just east of Porter's Lock
The joy of riverbank walking – it's flat. Still following the MVW path, travelling eastwards take the north bank to East Lock. Here, cross via the footbridges to the south bank and continue until you meet the road at Branbridges Industrial Estate.
Retrace your steps to return.
Branbridges Industrial Estate to Teston Bridge Country Park
Distance: 10.0 miles (return)
Parking: Teston Bridge Country Park – small fee (B2163)
With its 15th century bridge (partially rebuilt in the 19th century), Teston Bridge Country Park is lovely place to start a walk. At the river follow its course west (turn right) along the MVW and towing path. At Marina Lock the river is lost. Turn left onto the B2162 until you see a footpath for the MVW on the other side of the road. Follow this to Branbridges Industrial Estate.
Retrace your steps to return.
Teston Bridge Country Park to Whatman Park, Maidstone
Distance: 10.0 miles (return)
Parking: Teston Bridge Country Park – small fee (B2163)
A walk of contrasts. From the serenity of a country park to the noise and fumes of Maidstone. There are bridges old and new, locks and weirs, historic buildings, people living off grid plus a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle lost to the elements.
Retrace your steps to return.
Ringlestone, Maidstone to Burnham Marshes
Distance: 10.0 miles (return)
Parking: Calder Road, Maidstone
Distance to: The Friars, Aylesford Priory: 6 miles (return)
A nice stretch from the housing estate of Ringlestone, following the north bank to the pretty village of Aylesford. Small glimpses of Allington Castle can be seen on the opposite bank as you meander along. At a road bridge, turn left towards the old bridge and continue along the south bank.
Please note: from Aylesford to Burnham Marshes, the route is uninspiring and overgrown through industrial units with pot smokers littering the way. I wouldn't bother to be honest! Check out The Friars instead.
From Aylesford, cross the footbridge, turn left onto the road and follow until you find The Friars, a Carmelite Priory, founded in 1242 and restored in 1949.
Retrace your steps from The Friars to return.
Wouldham to Rochester Castle
Distance: 10.0 miles (return)
Parking: Wouldham Knowle Road Public Car Park – free!
The best is always last. A lovely river walk to Rochester Castle, returning along the Medway Valley Walk.
Following the riverbank, the river widens and is dotted with converted floating homes. After the Medway Bridges the path joins the road leading you to the castle, still with lovely views of a floating world.
To return, retrace your steps to the Medway Bridges, then follow the MVW signs. This will take you away from the river passing Nashenden Farm, to Ringshill Place. The views along this stretch are glorious. Still on the MVW, follow the route back to Wouldham.
