The London-based hiking group for people in their 20s - 30s.
Stuart B.
A fast paced walk through the bucolic Medway Valley and High Weald that starts off with a quick wander through the grounds of Tonbridge Castle (well, what is left of it), then along the River Medway through Haysden Country Park, up to Bidborough Ridge, back down to the River Medway and through the grounds of Penshurst Place. The lunch stop (please bring a packed lunch) will then be at Penshurst (9 miles distance) where there is also a pub in the village for drinks only. The walk then continues along one of the more tranquil parts of the Medway Valley, followed by passing along the rolling hills of the High Weald, before finishing at the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells via Groombridge and High Rocks - we may even see a steam train go past! We do also pass through quite a bit of woodland, where the bluebells may be starting to bloom.
The intention is to walk at a reasonably fast pace, but it is not a particularly hilly walk, with a total ascent of 469 metres. Though it will now be April, as this is the High Weald, mud is still possible in places - especially if it rains just before or during the walk. Plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from in The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells at the end of the walk - though we may not be welcome in The Ivy!
Travel: Take the 9:34 from London Charing Cross (Waterloo East 9:37, London Bridge 9:43, Sevenoaks 10:08), arrive at Tonbridge at 10:16. Meet just outside the main entrance of Tonbridge Station.
Buy a return to Tunbridge Wells.
IMPORTANT NOTE: though the train is from Charing Cross, if Southeastern have issues (which is depressingly very common), then they tend to start services from London Bridge - so it is advisable to get the train from there if possible, or do at least keep a close eye on what is happening with the trains that morning.
Tonbridge Station
Royal Tunbridge Wells
