Medway Valley Path – Day 2 – Maidstone – Rochester 19km / 12 miles Guided Group Walk

Name: Medway Valley Path – Day 2 – Maidstone – Rochester 19km / 12 miles Guided Group Walk
Start: 2025-07-06T10:00:00+01:00
Location: Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

Schedule

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025 at 10:00 am

UTC+01:00

Location

Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone | Maidstone, EN

Join us for a weekend of walking (or an individual day if you’d prefer) exploring the Medway Valley Path.
This two-day event will take us from Tonbridge to Rochester along the beautiful Medway Valley Path.
The Medway Valley Path is a linear route which follows just over 28 miles total (45.2km) along the banks of the River Medway. This river which has shaped the lives of local people for centuries, providing power and water to fuel local industries and a key transport route through the county. We will take a number of breaks as well as a lunch stop during this walk. Please bring a picnic with you as well as snacks.
Medals will be provided for anyone completing both days.
Day 2: Maidstone to Rochester (13 miles)
Starting Point: Maidstone : Our second day starts in the county town of Maidstone. This stretch of the Medway Valley Path offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding countryside. Look out for blooming Meadowsweet and Common Knapweed along the way.
Allington Castle (view from the path): As we continue, we’ll catch glimpses of Allington Castle, a private medieval castle nestled on the riverbank. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, it can be viewed from the path.
Aylesford Village: We’ll pass through the charming village of Aylesford, known for its historic buildings and the ancient Aylesford Bridge. The village is a perfect spot for a short break and to admire the old-world charm.
Wouldham and Peters Village: Moving on, we’ll walk through the quaint village of Wouldham and the newly developed Peters Village, both offering beautiful river views and peaceful walking paths. There is now a Co-op in Wouldam – a great ice cream stop!
Arrival in Rochester: Our journey concludes in the historic city of Rochester, renowned for its Norman castle and cathedral.
We finish officially on the River side, but we will walk the extra few minutes to the castle and cathedral for celebrations and medals. If you are free, please join us for a celebration drink in a pub after.

Seasonal Flora to Look Out For:
Honeysuckle: Often found twining around hedgerows along the path, honeysuckle’s sweet scent and delicate flowers are a summer highlight.
Field Scabious: These lilac-pink flowers can be seen in open meadows and along the roadside, adding a splash of colour to the landscape.
Dog Rose: This wild rose, with its pink and white petals, blooms abundantly in July, especially in the hedgerows along the path.

We will set up a Whatsapp group nearer the time to arrange car shares as well.
📅 Date: Sunday 6th July
⏰ Time: 10 am
📍 Location: Meeting at Maidstone Kent. Full details in ticket confirmation email. Both start and end points are well connected by train and buses.
🌄 Terrain: Countryside, woodlands and fields. A well marked flat path for the most part.
🍽️ Food & Drink: Please ensure you have all food you will need and enough water for this walk. We’d recommend 2L.
🐕 Dogs: Well behaved on lead dogs are able to attend this event.
🚽Toilets: Please be aware these may be nature breaks only. ( A tree or bush). Toilets are available at multiple places however we can not guarantee they will always be open as they are council run.

** PLEASE READ**
– Please ensure you bring all personal medication you could require.
– Water and food is essential to any walking / hiking trip
– Please bring waterproof clothing and suitable footwear
– If this is your first walk with us please complete the PAR-Q form beforehand