From Aylesford, the Medway Valley Path crosses the flat landscape of the floodplain, climbs to join the North Downs way, descends to Baty’s Marsh and enters Rochester along the river. Easy walking in the morning; a bit of a climb in the afternoon, but effort well worth it for the views. One or two stops at historic sites; pace will be moderate. Loos: on train, at The Friars after about half an hour, and in pub at lunchtime.
Lunch: Wouldham. Use pub (Medway Inn) for drinks and loos; picnic in adjacent recreation ground.
Train: London Bridge 08:48; Abbey Wood 09:17 (Thameslink - Rainham Train) Arr Strood 09:58. Change to Medway Valley Line 10:03 arr. Aylesford 10:20. Return from Rochester. Buy 2 singles. For Freedom Pass holders, boundary station is Dartford.