WALKING GROUP

Walks take place on Tuesdays and alternate between mornings and afternoons. Everyone is welcome, including dogs, so if you would like to come along then we will be delighted to see you. 

WALKING GROUP DATES 2024 (Further details of walks will be provided closer to the dates)

(4th Tuesday of the month)

Tuesday 23rd April 2pm

Our Saint George’s Day walk at 2pm on Tuesday 23^rd April will begin from Saint Andrew’s Road, east of the Barming Heath crossroads with Hermitage Lane and where there is plenty of free parking. From there we shall walk down to Saint Andrews Church, cross the A26 to Fant Lane and then follow the footpaths across the recreation ground to Gatland Lane. We shall take the footpath down south from Gatland Lane towards the Medway valley, and then turn west towards Rectory Lane and the ash path in Barming. Crossing South Street we shall head on to Barming church taking in the site of a Roman cemetery and other Roman remains. From the church we shall head north to the A26 and walk through Hall Place Farm, with its lovely views over the valley, to North Pole Lane and Barming Woods. We shall take the woodland paths to the old water tower, now a remarkable home, and see the new developments taking place around the ancient trackways on what was once Hermitage Farm. We shall then walk down Oakapple Lane, and if we have time, visit the hospital cemetery. From there we shall return through the grounds of the old Mental Hospital to Saint Andrews Road. The walk will take up to 110 minutes and will involve some road walking on country lanes as well as some crossing of larger roads. The walk has two very gentle slopes and the paths are generally in good condition. Saint Andrews Road is about 20 minutes’ drive from Mereworth or can be reached using the number 7 bus from either the Fountain or Cherry Tree bus stops.

Tuesday 28th May 10am

Our May walk at 10am on Tuesday 28^th May will be a local woodland walk in Mereworth. We shall meet at the triangle at the top of New Pound Lane where it joins Beech Road. If you are driving there is parking at the Moody Mare. From the road triangle we shall walk into the woods all the way to Mereworth Lawn, through the valley where the wild daffodils grow. Crossing Seven Mile Lane we shall take the new footpath that skirts Viking Oak and the Scout camp, and then join the original footpath that leads to Platt. There may still be bluebells in flower, and we may even see some orchids. Looping back towards Mereworth, we shall enter the military training ground and continue through Mereworth Woods to Seven Mile Lane. The last leg of the walk will be along the road verge of Seven Mile Lane back to Beech Road, or the Moody Mare for those with a thirst! The walk will take about 120 minutes depending on the state of the paths and is about 6km long. It will involve crossing Seven Mile Lane and there may be forestry work taking place. The walk is relatively flat and the paths may be uneven and muddy due to forestry activity. Good walking boots are advisable.

Tuesday 25th June 2pm

Tuesday 23rd July 10am

Tuesday 27th August 2pm

Tuesday 24th September 10am

Tuesday 22nd October 2pm

Tuesday 26th November 10am followed by lunch