How better to reflect on the role the county played in the war years than by taking a guided walk with a friendly, like-minded group?

That’s why What’s On has teamed up with seasoned walking expert Geoff Rambler – or Geoff Ettridge to use his correct name – for a series of free group walks, accompanied by a commentary on the local history themed around this special year marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

Each walk has been planned not only to take in some fascinating places but also to look back on the impact that war had on the Kent landscape.

This Saturday’s ramble is ideal for beginners as it takes an urban route around Maidstone. The walk starts alongside the towns’ main railway station so can be easy reached from all across Kent.

“Because of its location and long standing military links, Maidstone witnessed many troop movements,” says Geoff. “Local industries also made an important contribution to the war effort through supplying adapted agricultural equipment – such as deploying fans that were used to disperse insecticides in orchards to repel or disperse poisonous gas attacks.

“Sharpe’s of Maidstone, better known perhaps for making toffees, supplied jam, and no doubt some of the tins in which the jam was supplied were turned into ‘jam-tin’ mortars.”

The walk will take in the Tithe Barn that was used to store fuel and to accommodate refugee soldiers. It will also pass what was the Howard-de-Walden VAD Hospital (VAD 12) in Marsham Street.

Geoff says: “We will consider the different recruitment processes that were used to encourage enlistment and how that led to people becoming conscientious objectors – many of whom were held in Maidstone Prison.

“We’ll also talk about the role women played in Kent, the contribution made by the ‘Red Feather’ Scouts and what people living in Marsham Street may have witnessed as the VAD hospital began to receive patients.”

THIS WEEKEND’S WALKSaturday, September 27 departing at 10am

A four-mile circular walk through Maidstone and along the river Medway. Meet at the Station Road entrance of Maidstone East Station, postcode ME14 1QN. Park in Maidstone or at Maidstone East Station, if space is available, which costs £4.50 for the day.

Geoff says: “The walk should take about two hours, but no guarantees! If you’ve ever thought about talking up walking, but never got round to it, this could be a walk for you. No special equipment is needed – just comfortable shoes.

“This is one of three walks in the First World War programme that is urban. All have their own story to tell but all demonstrate that one can have a good walk without leaving the town, encountering mud or needing to avoid cattle.”

Visit www.geofframbler.co.uk for more information or for any last-minute changes.