Walk 4: Orchards And River Song

Every Spring I pull my kayak out of hibernation and blow away the cobwebs of winter. I’m very much a fair- weather paddler so it stays under wraps between the months of October-March, until the clocks spring forward.

It can feel like a bit of a faff lugging it out of storage and strapping it onto the car roof, but when my paddle touches the water memories of the river come flowing back. Lazy summer evenings wallowing in the glow of sunsets to die for, streaks of blue lightning as Kingfishers glide across the water, and Mother ducks herding their fuzzy brood through succulent lily pads.

My kayak has stayed in lock down this spring but the river has been more tranquil than ever. The beckoning call of its silent song still rings in my ears, but for the meantime I’ve traded my paddle for a map.

Paddling the River Medway

Begin your walk at Cannon Bridge on Cannon Lane industrial estate. There is free parking nearby at Swanmead Sports ground if required.

Turn left into Postern lane and continue for approximately 1200 metres (3/4 mile) until you see a footpath sign pointing left. The Postern was once a hunting park belonging to the castle, before the forest that once stood here was felled to fuel the growing iron industry. By the 1700’s the land was being used for farming, which is around the same time that Postern House was built. You can read more about this grand house and the areas history here.

The Postern, Postern Lane

When you see the footpath sign to your left, stroll down the track and then turn right through the small gate. Continue to the end of the grassy path. Go through the wonky gate and turn right into the orchard.

Walk straight on, keeping the hedge to your right and the apple trees to your left. At the end of the orchard, continue through the gap and past the large oast house. At the end of the next orchard you will see two bridges. Cross over the stream and follow the overhead cables into the corner of the field. There’s is a well hidden gap in the hedge, cut through here, across the next field and climb the stile.

Apple orchard, near Tudeley

Follow the edge of the field until you reach another stile. Climb over and then keep going until you reach Hartlake Road and Tudeley Hall, the large Tudor fronted house. The Poacher and Partridge is approximately 50 metres down the road to your left - its a very popular country pub, serving excellent food. In the summer months they have a huge family friendly beer garden.

Tudeley Hall, Hartlake Road

When you are ready to continue your walk, retrace your steps back up the road until you see a footpath on the left, just after Tudeley Hall. Follow this along the edge of the field and through the gap in the hedge, into the orchards. In Spring these will be blooming into life and by late summer they will be weighed down with pears and blackcurrants, ready for the harvest.

Keep going until you reach a little lane (Sherenden Road). Turn left and continue until you come to a big red barn. At this point turn right and pass through the white gate into Scripps farm. This is where much of the fruit around you is packed ready for market.

The big red barn, Sherenden Road

Continue for 20 metres and then cross over the little wooden bridge to your left. Walk straight on through the orchard and over the next two footbridges before cutting diagonally across the field.

At the end of this path, walk through the little wood until you emerge back onto Hartlake Road. Turn right and walk along the road for 300 metres until you reach Hartlake Bridge. The bridge was once the scene of a tragic accident, that resulted in the death of 30 hop-pickers after their wagon crashed into the river in 1853. You can read more about this tragedy here.

Hartlake Bridge memorial plaque

Walk over the bridge and then switch back along the path on your right, past the memorial plaque and down to the riverbank. Turn right, walking under the bridge and then follow the river upstream.

Shortly after the bridge you will see a pill box dating back to World War 2. The path is very narrow at this point, so take care especially when it is muddy. You can read more about the pill boxes and the role they played in the next walk.

Soon you will come to Porters Lock. This is one of 10 working locks on the Medway and easily the most photogenic. Its picnic bench and manicured grass make this the perfect spot for a picnic in summer.

Porters Lock, River Medway

Keep going until you reach a wooden footbridge, pass through a metal gate and then continue along the riverbank until you reach Eldridges Lock, named after the family that once occupied Postern House, the large house you saw earlier on at the beginning of this walk. There are some benches here, so it’s a good spot to rest your legs and enjoy the sound of water rushing downriver.

Eldridges Lock, River Medway

When ready to continue, keep walking West along the riverbank. Cross over the weir and then pass through the large gate. If you look to your right you will see another pill box hidden in the undergrowth.

Walk under the metal girder bridge and follow the path along the bank. It’s not uncommon to see Herons fishing here, or if you are lucky you may just witness the blue flash of a kingfisher darting across the water.

In the distance you will be be able to make out the gasworks at Tonbridge. The large tributary you will see on your left winds all the way into town, flowing past the Botany and under Little Bridge before finally rejoining the river at the park/sportsground.

Eventually the path will reach a fork, take the path to the left and you will walk through the trees before emerging back onto Cannon Bridge where you began your walk. Alternatively if you have parked at Swanmead then take the path to the right until you reach the car park.

Afterword

If you've enjoyed this walk and the beauty surrounding Tudeley then please show your appreciation by helping 'Save Capel' by signing their petition, making a donation or both. There is a new 'village' earmarked for development on this walk, which if granted permission will see over 4000 new houses and a secondary school built on the surrounding fields. These developments will scar the landscape forever - once its gone, its gone. You can help by signing their petition or donating to towards their fundraising efforts.