West Malling Walks
The historic market town of West Malling is located in the Tonbridge and Malling district of Kent, a few miles west of Maidstone. The area is surrounded by pleasant countryside with a local country park and Mereworth Woods just to the south west.
This circular walk from the train station takes you to Manor Park Country Park and the historic St Leonard's Tower.
The walk starts from the train station and heads south west through the countryside to Manor Park. This attractive park has good footpaths taking you to fields, wildflower meadows and a lake with lots of wildlife to look out for on the water.
After passing west through the park you will soon come to St Leonard's Tower. The 11th century tower is located on a natural sandstone ledge near the head of a narrow valley. The tower was probably built by Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester, between 1077 and 1108.
After passing the tower you loop round to enter the town. Here you'll find a Georgian High Street with an 18th-century coaching inn (Grade II listed), and Went House, which was built in 1720 and is noted for its elegant brickwork.
After passing through the town the route soon returns to the train station.
West Malling Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
West Malling Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
West Malling OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
West Malling Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Swan is a great choice for some post walk refreshments. The stylish pub does very good food and also has an outdoor area for warmer days. It also has an interesting history having been a 15th century coaching inn used by author Charles Dickens. You can find the pub at 35 Swan St with a postcode of ME19 6JU for your sat navs.
The Bull Inn is another good choice with a good selection of ales and a nice beer garden. You can find it on the High Street at postcode ME19 6QH.
Dog Walking
The area is great for dog walking but please do not allow them in the lake in Manor Park. The Bull Inn pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area head east into Maidstone and try our Maidstone River Walk which takes you along the River Medway.
Also nearby are the expansive Mereworth Woods. There's ancient woodland with miles of trails to try here.
Just to the north east is the excellent Leybourne Lakes Country Park. There's 230 acres of lakes and woodland providing a peaceful location for wildlife and birdwatching.
Just to the south there's neighbouring Kings Hill where you can visit the Warren Woods Nature Park and enjoy the greenways which are suitable for cyclists and walkers.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Malling Town Club Swan Street West Malling
Malling Abbey gatehouse
St. Leonards Tower, West Malling. A free-standing Norman keep.
St. Leonards Tower and surrounding trees. The tower was built by Bishop Gundolf, who also built Rochester Cathedral and the White Tower of London.
Footbridge in Manor Park Country Park. The stream from West Malling widens out to make a lake. The bridge crossing it, leads from car park footpath in park to St.Leonard's Street.
Kissing gate at Manor Park Country Park, West Malling. The gate is at the boundary of the park and Water Lane. The park was once part of the landscaped grounds of Douces Manor.