A historical walk from Teston to Wateringbury

About

On the 18th of October, we will be strolling from Teston, nestled on the banks of the River Medway, to the village of Wateringbury, taking in woodland, orchards, farmland and some of the beautiful countryside that surrounds the Medway Valley.

The walk will begin at Teston Bridge Country Park car park, which only opens at 9am. From here, we will make our way into the historic village of Teston, before heading out into the surrounding countryside and woodland. The route will take us through forests and skirt Oaken Wood, before emerging into open fields and orchards with views across the winding River Medway.

Continuing towards Wateringbury, we will explore a landscape shaped by agriculture, orchards and the river, before beginning our return journey to Teston. The route back follows the Medway through a particularly scenic stretch of the valley, described by William Cobbett, the English farmer, journalist and author, in 1830 as "one of the most beautiful sights that my eyes ever beheld."

Along the way, Ben will bring the landscape to life with stories from the area's past, including Reverends who annoyed slavers, unsolved murders and Indian Princes a long way from home. From the people who lived and worked along the Medway to some of the more unusual characters and events connected to these villages, there will be plenty of history to discover along the way.
This is a walk that combines woodland, farmland, orchards, river views and local history, offering a chance to explore the Medway Valley while discovering some of the fascinating stories hidden within its landscape.

Schedule
Date: 18 October 2026
Meet and Start Time: 09:15 meet for 09:30 am start
Walking time: 4.5 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Walk Leader: Ben Crozier
Location
Meeting point: Teston Bridge Country Park, Teston Ln, Teston, Maidstone ME18 5BX
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: There will be a few undulating hills along the way.
Distance: Approximately 11.5 km (7.1 miles)
Walk Type: Circular