Walks in Kent - East Malling

Route Overview

This walk starts in the village of East Malling and follows a largely flat route through orchards and woodland with some fine views of the North Downs along the way. The final part of the walk takes you through East Malling Horticultural Research Station (EMR). Although not normally open to the public, the company carries out research and development for the crops industry and has a long history with the area.

Distance - Full

5 miles / 8 km

Distance - Short

5 miles / 8 km

Typical Time - Full

2 hours 30 minutes

Typical Time - Short

2 hours 30 minutes

Start Point

East Malling Church

End Point

East Malling Church

Start point grid reference

TQ702570

End point grid reference

TQ702570

Type of Route:

Circular

Level of walk:

Leisurely

Route Features

Accessibility / Facilities

Begins near bus route
Begins near pub
Begins near train station
Ends near bus route
Ends near pub
Ends near train station

Terrain

Fields
PROW (Public Right Of Way)
Roads

Route Description

1. Head down Church Walk road to church gates and follow footpath through churchyard to cycle barrier. Pass through barrier and take the narrow footpath immediately on the right. 2. Beware of trains - look and listen before crossing. Go over steps to cross over railway line to continue along path other side. Continue until you reach a road. 3. Turn right along pavement for approx. 45 metres to then take the surfaced road on the left (marked with a footpath marker stone). Follow track through gate ahead to enter onto an orchard path. Keep to path through orchard.Looking behind you can catch a glimpse of the North Downs. 4. Beware of traffic. Pass gate exiting onto road and turn left. After a short distance, pass entrance to driveway on right and take signposted bridleway running alongside.Good views of the North Downs on your left. 5. Upon reaching the end of the surfaced bridleway track, bear right then left to continue ahead into woodland. 6. Reaching a crossroads, continue ahead into woodland path. Continue along this path passing over several junctions with other paths. Always follow the path ahead. This path may be muddy in places during winter, however you should be able to walk around the worst affected areas. 7. Follow path ahead, out of woodland until you come to a water tower (now converted into a private residence). Turn left to take the byway with wooden fence to left and barbed fence to right (enclosed path). 8. Continue along path until it becomes a tarmac surfaced track. Passing a road on your right. Approx 15 metres further, find a gate in the hedge on your right. 9. Go through gate and continue straight ahead across grass. Cross over two stiles/gates to continue along an enclosed path. Follow path round to right to run alongside the railway line to your left. 10. Turn left to cross footbridge and bear left to continue along path on other side of railway line. Follow onto surfaced track enclosed by fences on either side as you approach main road. 11. Cross road to enter EMR grounds and walk down surfaced road. Observe waymarking and keep to path indicated. Pass Conference Centre entrance and follow along road, bearing left to take path back to church where you started. Please note that East Malling Research Centre is not generally open to the public.

Terrain Details

Fields and woodland paths. Short on-road section. Some gentle slopes.

Additional Info / Warnings

Stiles: 4 Gates: 1 (steps over railway) A photo guide for this route is available from www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

Access Info / Public Transport

Road Map: Multimap website www.multimap.com. Search for “East Malling”. By Car: From M20 Junction 4 follow signs to Maidstone via A20 (London Road). Once on A20, follow signs for East Malling. Parking: Limited on-road parking is available in Church Walk road. Please note that parking at the King & Queen pub is for patrons only and wheel clamping is in operation. Train: Nearest station - East Malling (300m).National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 Bus: 78/78A (Maidstone - Trottiscliffe). 3 journeys. Mon-Sat. Traveline: 0870 6082608

Services / Amenities

Toilets: None on route Refreshments: Pub near start/finish

Map