Rustic Rocks & Rails (14 miles)

Often one is asked: "*What is your favourite place?*" One place leaving a most indelible mark is the sandstone outcrops of the Weald. So many happy fulfilling days and memories. These began in the Lower Cretaceous as sands accumulating in the shallow inland Wealden sea. The sands hardened over epochs into rocks. which may now be found hiding in the fields and forests all round the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Passing among the woods with their outcrops is the Spa Valley Railway, whose steam trains add colour & sound, and a sense of nostalgia to the landscape. And this weekend the railway holds its annual Ale and Cider Festival, with food stalls, and free live music at its stations, as well as the heritage trains chugging to and fro along the line all day. A Spa Valley walk of autumn colours, unique rock formations, and stations visited along the line to sample the festivities. Further details of the Festival are here: https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/real-ale-cider-festival/ TRAVEL: Take the 9.39 train from London Bridge to TUNBRIDGE WELLS. Walk starts 10.40 AM from Tunbridge Wells station. Circular walk The organizer will be standing from 9.15 am in front of the ticket office to act as a focal point for people to arrange Groupsave tickets. An off peak day return to TUNBRIDGE WELLS is £14.15 with Groupsave or a Network card and will cover all travel.