Medway Valley Walk, and Botley Hill
21 September 2008
On her way to a dog show in Maidstone, Lucy dropped
Stephen off in Aylesford for a short walk along the Medway.
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-092352.jpg)
From the new bridge, a look down the Medway to the village of Aylesford and the
old bridge - parts of the bridge date from the 14th century, though the central
span is later.
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-093626.jpg)
The towpath is rather enclosed by vegetation, with intermittent views of the
river
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-094646.jpg)
Disused Cobtree Wharf
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-095327.jpg)
With the M20 bridge in the background, the boatyard has an untidy cluster of
boats on the bank
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-095441.jpg)
Allington Lock and the weir, the limit of the tidal section
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-100030.jpg)
Above Allington Lock
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-100241.jpg)
There are quite a few old barges moored here, now acting as houseboats.
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-100647.jpg)
Allington Castle, glimpsed through the trees, was built in 1281, and was
restored in 1905 - it is a private residence, not open to the public.
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-100814.jpg)
As we continue into Maidstone, another boatyard on the other bank.
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-104914.jpg)
The church and Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-105141.jpg)
Almost at Market Hall and the end of this morning's walk, an impressive
sculpture.
Zoom in for more detail, or see map in larger window: Ordnance Survey |
Open Street Map |
Google Maps
Total: 6.6km in 1 hour 30 mins.
Botley Hill
![](../../images/2008/2008-09/2008-09-21-170647.jpg)
An unexciting picture, but some evidence that Stephen has visited the relocated
summit of Botley Hill, completing (again) the
Marilyns of Region 42.
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