Going off the rails with Mr Bradshaw

Inspired by one of Michael Portillo's journeys through Kent with his trusty Bradshaws guide, we decided to spend a day exploring parts of Kent by rail.

From Strood we took the Medway Valley line, stopping at Maidstone West to change trains. Waiting on the platform, we noticed the architecture of the buildings and canopy were distinctly different for each platform. A quick "chat" with Dr Wiki revealed that the townsfolk of Maidstone were frightened of the prospect that the coming of the railways in the early 1840s would kill the town, so they opposed a station. Only later did they realise the error of their ways and allowed a branch line to be built from Paddock Wood to Maidstone West; subsequently the line was extended along the Medway valley as far as Strood and the Medway Towns.

Just as the HS1 and then HS2 routes have caused recent controversy, so the Victorians must have contended with similar fears and concerns. We might grumble at today's railways, but we take them for granted, not realising what our forebears also struggled with as Britian pioneered travel for the masses. I wonder how many Victorian towns went into decline due to a lack of railway service, while other towns prospered?

Onwards through Paddock Wood to Tonbridge and another stop. It must have been at least thirty five years since I last travelled this line which forms the main line from East Kent to London. The architecture at Tonbridge reminded me of my "home" station of Dover Priory and Dr Wiki quickly confirmed that both were rebuilt in the 1930s.

Off again to Sevenoaks and another transfer to head off up the Darenth Valley line to Swanley. First stop, Bat and Ball. Having heard the station announced many time over the years, I'd always wondered why it should have such a curious name - goodness knows what foreign visitors must think! Anyway, Dr Wiki advised that it it was named after the long-gone pub of the same name in the road beside the station.

Continuing, we caught glimpses of the lavender fields, which will soon be in full blossom, as well as a snatched view down the valley from the viaduct near Eynsford, although we were unable to see either the castle or Roman villa at Lullingstone. Having driven under the viaduct on numerous occasions, it was interesting to see the countryside from above it.

Arrival at Swanley brought back memories of a mistake I made back in the '80s when returning home from London. In a rush to catch an earlier train than normal, and with moments to go, I caught the train standing on my regular platform. As it pulled away I realised I didn't recognise a single face in the carriage and the guard confirmed we were heading to Sevenoaks. In the days before the internet and mobile phones, I was totally reliant on the guard to assist me with timetable information to get me home. Changing trains at the first stop, I was soon back at Swanley and a long wait for a slow train home. The one consolation, though, was that as I stood in the evening sun at Swanley, I could at least enjoy a steam-hauled Orient Express as it raced through the station.

As Michael Portillo, Michael Palin, and Suggs have all noted, there's more to a train journey than just arriving. An interesting, educational and enjoyable day. More photos on Flickr.