Geograph - photograph every grid square

The present Tonbridge station opened in 1842. On 20th September 1845, a branch to Tunbridge Wells opened and the station was renamed Tunbridge Junction. Over the next five years the branch was extended to Hastings. Access to the line to Hastings was via an indirect link which required a reverse rather than directly as at present. This arrangement lasted until 1857 when the steeply climbing direct route was opened. The indirect line to Tunbridge Wells remained in use until just before the First World War, after which it was closed and the track dismantled.

The route of the old link can easily be seen on Google Earth. It is more wooded and overgrown where it runs to the north of Hectorage Road, whereas alongside Pembury Road it is more manicured as seen here.