The group was formed in 1962 and in 2022 we celebrated our 60th anniversary.
We have a full and varied programme for all those who enjoy walking in Kent and new members are always welcome. Walking is a great way to keep fit, enjoy the countryside and make new friends. You could also help to keep paths clear during the growing season.
There is a formal constitution which sets out the objectives and procedures of the group.
Our Privacy Policy takes into account the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force on 22 May 2018.
The group aims to organise walks; to encourage the use of public paths and to endeavour to protect the right of the public to the access and enjoyment of footpaths, bridleways and byways.
We value the first class relationship we have with the local farmers and landowners; the Kent County Council (KCC) Rights of Way team; Meopham Parish Council; other walking groups and related organisations.
Our comprehensive walks programme covers the parish of Meopham and all scenic areas of Kent. See the Walks Programme page for details.
Meopham is located in North West Kent. The area is ideal for walking with a fine system of footpaths. The countryside is mostly farmland with some woodland. To the South, the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers views over the Kentish Weald.
History
The group was formed out of adversity in 1962 when our Founder and President Mrs Pat Wilson found a footpath, close to her home at Harvel, closed by a major obstruction. The location was known locally as “Scratch Arse Corner”. The origin of the name is lost, however the name lives on in the group’s annals.
Pat, together with a group of like minded people, set up local groups in Harvel, Meopham and Culverstone to address this and many other rights of way problems that were found to exist at the time. Within a few years the separate groups were amalgamated to form the Meopham and District Footpaths group – now commonly known as Meopham Walkers.
Over the subsequent years the group’s activities have resulted in a vast improvement. Today there are nearly 39 miles of rights of way in the Meopham Parish that are in generally good order, of which 10 miles are byways or bridleways. See our Parish Path Survey page for details.
Today
Meopham Walkers is a very active organisation. There is a regular walks programme across Kent. Daytime walks are held throughout the year, with additional evening walks during the summer months. The length and pace of the walks are varied to accommodate all abilities. Please see our current walks programme.
There are several social occasions during the year, which are always very popular and we normally have an awayday and a short walking holiday for members.
The Walks Programme is sent to members monthly by email, in addition to being posted on this website and our Facebook page for the benefit of potential new members.
