East Farleigh rail trail
The 14th century East Farleigh Bridge sits at the start of this walk. Considered to be the oldest bridge in Kent, it is famed for being the setting for a battle during the Civil War.
East Farleigh village was mentioned in the Domesday Book under the name ‘Ferlaga’ meaning ‘the way of the passage’, a referral to the river crossings at both East and West Farleigh.
The path cuts through orchards as it heads away from East Farleigh, offering a burst of blossom in spring and an abundance colour and apples in autumn. Look out for local wildlife and savour views of the Medway Valley below.
The walk passes Barming Bridge, which has been destroyed on two occasions, once in 1795 due to flooding and a second time due to a tractor accident when a ten tonne traction engine ended up upside down in the river. You’ll be safe crossing it today though as a concrete and steel structure replaced the old wooden bridge in 1996.
Step by step guide
Leaving East Farleigh train station turn left and cross the medieval Farleigh Bridge; take extra care here as there is no pavement.
After the bridge continue uphill along Station Road. At The Bull Inn cross the road and turn right onto Lower Road past St Mary's Church.
After 150 metres you'll see a footpath across the road on your left. Take this path which leads away from the road along the tree line up the field. After about 100 metres (half way up the hill) the path turns a sharp right to cut through the field towards the tree line opposite. Follow this path as it goes through the trees and diagonally across the field.
Go up the steps, through the gate and turn right and continue straight ahead until you reach the gate and road.
Turn left and walk up Gallants Road for about 200 metres then on your right take the footpath leading up some steps into an orchard. Turn left then immediately right to cross the orchard. At the fence follow the path to the left, cross the track, go through the gap in the fence and continue to follow the path across the next orchard.
Go through the metal gate onto the footpath which comes out opposite Farleigh Green and onto Kettle Lane. Turn right and walk down Kettle Lane.
At the bottom of the road carefully cross over Lower Road and immediately to your right at Kettle Corner, turn left to walk down St Helen's Lane. At the bottom of the lane at the River Medway is Barming Foot Bridge.
After crossing Barming Bridge turn right keeping the river on your right and walk along the riverside footpath.
Continue along the river for approximately 1.5km. Just before you reach East Farleigh Bridge you'll see a footpath sign to your left. Go up the steps and follow this path around to the right and up to the road. East Farleigh train station is just to your left across the road.
