The free Thames & Medway Rail Ale Trail uses the train to link micropubs, traditional pubs and a brewery taproom across nine stops in north and mid Kent.
A new trail for real ale drinkers uses the railway to link 16 independent pubs, micropubs and a brewery taproom across north and mid Kent.
The Thames & Medway Rail Ale Trail was put together by Scott Spencer, who runs the Micropub Adventures pub and travel blog. It covers nine stop areas and is free to use online.
The route
The main route runs through Rainham, Gillingham, Chatham and Rochester, Strood and Gravesend. A Medway Valley branch runs from Strood through Halling and Aylesford to Maidstone West, and a further branch links Maidstone with West Malling.
Maidstone West and Maidstone East stations are not connected by rail, so the trail uses a walk through the town centre to join the two branches.
“The idea isn’t that people have to attempt all 16 pubs in one trip,” Mr Spencer said. “The trail is designed so visitors can choose a section, spend some time exploring the different towns and villages and support a good mix of independent pubs along the way.”
Each stop area has its own page with pub details, opening times, beer information and walking directions.
Before you go
The trail suggests Thursday to Saturday for the widest choice of opening hours. It advises checking pub opening times and live train times before setting off, particularly for the smaller micropubs and the Moot Brewery taproom, and for travel in the evening or on Sundays.
New rail ale trail links 16 pubs from Rainham to Gravesend and West Malling Quiz
5 questions
Sources
- Micropub Adventures: Thames & Medway Rail Ale Trail (checked 6 October 2026)
- Email from Scott Spencer, Micropub Adventures, to Kent Local News, 5 October 2026
Main picture: Aylesford station on the Medway Valley line. Picture: N Chadwick / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0.