Wateringbury to Maidstone via Nettlestead and Barming
A 9-mile walk from Wateringbury to Maidstone via Nettlestead and Barming. Take the 101 bus to Maidstone then the 7 bus to Wateringbury
Download file for GPSThe Medway GHQ (General Head Quarters Line) was part of the world war 2 defences of Britain after the fall of Dunkirk. You can find part of these defences just along the A26 from the Wateringbury crossroad where there is a pillbox, there are many to be seen along the walk.
Grandsden a six bedroom Georgian house formerly owned by Rear-Admiral John Harold Young
Another second world war connection is the route of PLUTO – the Pipeline Under The Ocean.
Turn left into Love Lane.
Past a stream with a waterfall
Brattles Mill, a grade 2 listed watermill
Turn left onto a footpath.
The footpath was muddy after rain in January.
Turn right onto the B2015 past the Wateringbury village sign.
Turn right onto a footpath and then left, follow the footpath to the B2015
Cross the B2015 into an unmarked lane leading to Nettlestead Church.
Go through the Churchyard and exit under an arch.
The path from the Church towards the river, there are two styles at the level crossing over the railway.
Turn left at the river towards Maidstone.
Swans and geese at Wateringbury.
A cygnet on the River Medway
The muddy path and view across the river.
A view I’ve photographed many times throughout the year.
Approaching Teston Country Park we came away from the river.
View across the valley.
Tree with bunches of mistletoe.
Mistletoe.
Teston Bridge note the flooded footpath.
Teston Bridge
Path toward Barming
Another WW2 Pillbox
Turn left and go up the hill opposite Barming Bridge
Go back down the hill and turn left into a footpath.
Past an orchard
East Farliegh Church can be seen in the distance.
The path widens into track. At the end of the track turn right, follow the road and turn right again. Just after the level crossing take a turning to the right and follow the signs untill you reach the river, you will see East Farliegh Church up the hill on the other side of the river.
Turn left under East Farleigh bridge.
Walk past East Farleigh locks in the direction of Maidstone.
Cross over the river at Maidstone. Catch the 101 bus back to Chatham.
Download gpx file