The Len Valley Walk: A Riverside walk through the Kent countryside – Group Guided Walk 13 miles/ 21km
Follow the gentle River Len through quiet countryside, fields, woods and beautiful views across the Kentish landscape.
The Len Valley Walk
Group Guided Walk
Overview:
Join us for a scenic countryside journey along the Len Valley as we walk from Maidstone to Lenham, linking two railway stations by foot while following the gentle course of the River Len and the Len Valley.
This is a full day linear walk through one of Kent’s most peaceful rural landscapes. The route traces the Len Valley eastwards from Maidstone, weaving through farmland, orchards, quiet villages and riverside paths before finishing in the historic village of Lenham.
We’ll find a mixture of grassy field paths, woodland trails, valley views, riverside sections and quiet country lanes. The terrain is mostly gentle but the distance of around 12–13 miles means a good level of fitness is recommended, there are a couple of 3 steeper inclines which will be taken slowly.
With convenient train stations at both ends, it’s a satisfying countryside route that links town, valley and village in a single day’s walk.
Route Details:
We begin our journey at Maidstone East railway station, heading out of the county town and towards the open green space of Mote Park. This beautiful parkland marks the transition from town to countryside, and is a great start to our day!
Leaving the park behind, the landscape opens into the peaceful farmland of the Len Valley. Field paths and quiet tracks lead us through classic Kent countryside as we begin to follow the gentle course of the River Len, a small but historic river that once powered several mills in the valley.
Continuing east, we approach the village of Leeds, home to St Nicholas Church, Leeds with its impressive Norman tower. From here the route brings us alongside one of the great highlights of the walk – Leeds Castle, often described as “the loveliest castle in the world”. The river forms the castle’s famous lake, creating one of the most picturesque stretches of the entire route. We directly pass the castle and its residents of many waterfowl.
After passing the castle grounds, we continue along riverside paths and quiet countryside tracks through the heart of the Len Valley. The scenery here is peaceful and rural, with hedgerows, open fields and the occasional patch of woodland and stunning valley views.
Further along the valley we pass St Margaret’s Church, Broomfield, a tucked-away rural church surrounded by farmland.
The final miles lead us across open countryside towards Lenham, where the walk gradually returns to village life. Lenham is known for its attractive medieval square, historic buildings and welcoming pubs, making it a perfect place to finish the day and to finish with a drink in a local pub if you wish!
Our journey concludes at Lenham railway station, completing a rewarding countryside walk linking two stations through the peaceful landscapes of the Len Valley.
Date: Sunday 14th June
Time: 9am
Location: Meeting at Maidstone (full details in the booking confirmation email). A linear walk with train stations
Terrain: Concrete paved paths, woodland trails, riverside paths. There is 3 steeper incline and a nice flow throughout the day
Food & Drink: Please ensure you have all food you will need and enough water for this walk. We recommend 1.5L as a minimum. We will stop for a lunch so please bring some food with you.
Dogs: Well behaved on lead dogs are able to attend this event.