The Medway Towpath is a 10.5km route that runs from Aylesford to Barming. It’s a route much enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and joggers and is a popular route from either direction into Maidstone.

Which Parts of the Medway Towpath can be Cycled?

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a ride on the quiet side with the river Medway towpath cycle route perfect for a leisurely Sunday ride or even as a peaceful, safer alternative to the road when commuting to work. Here you’ll feel a million miles from modern living as you are surrounded by an abundance of nature, with greenery all around and stunning birds like the kingfisher filling the skies, you’ll certainly get lost in the serenity of the Medway.

You can cycle from Aylesford Bridge (TQ 72942 58930) to Barming Bridge(TQ 7241 5390) the cycle path, provides a useful commuting route to many homes, schools and businesses, making it a quintessential route for active travel. It’s just as good for a leisurely cycle ride; the route has a whole host of wonderful stops from artisan eateries to museums, or a well earned break in the county town of Maidstone to explore its rich heritage.

This tranquil river ride along the Medway is perfect for cyclists of all abilities and interests. The flat, riverside nature of the cycle towpath makes it ideal for families with older children and perfect for those who enjoy cycling off road. The route follows the river very closely making it difficult to get lost. There are multiple points where you can join the path between Aylesford and Barming.

Please note; there are sections on the route where cyclists must dismount. These are signed on the towpath itself. Please obey these signs for the safety of other path users.

Where should Cyclists Dismount?

• Please push your bike down the footpath at Lockmeadow to the start of the cycle path.
• The section at East Farleigh is very narrow and the path isn’t physically wide enough to cycle safely. There are barriers and signs which allow cyclists to push their bikes safely through this length and then continue onward once the path is widened again.

There is a ‘dismount’ section at these locations.

Please do not cycle past Barming Bridge. The cycle path ends at Barming Bridge and becomes a public footpath. You can only proceed after this point on foot.

The river Medway towpath provides a brilliant carefree day out for the whole family for locals and visitors alike and provides a safe, quiet, traffic free route into Maidstone.  This multi-use walk and cycle route is perfect for everyone whether for improving fitness or for an active day out – there is no reason to not give it a try!