The Abandoned RC Track
Local to my home there is an abandoned RC track at Chattenden in Kent. It has become our local Track and is used by many local RC enthusiasts. The track is located on Ex-Military land and I can only assume that it was originally intended for use by the military personnel and their families. Check out the Chattenden Barracks Wiki page. There is a large MRCC painted in the control area so, I am guessing it must have also been used by Medway Radio Controlled Car Club in a past life.
What is it like?
if you go to Google Maps and look at the photo view you can see the track from above.
The Track is located on an abandoned road called Lochat Road. This is within the former military site at the top of Four Elms Hill. To gain access you need to drive up Four Elms Hill, turn left at the top into Chattenden Lane then, take the left into Kitchener Road which runs behind the primary school.
At the End of the road, you will find a large roundabout with places to park. this is where you must go on foot. This roundabout and road are still public so please be mindful of how you park and act.
The Abandoned RC Track is not maintained and will probably disappear over the next few years. Pictures on Google Earth do not do the track justice as My Son and his friends have painted most of the lines recently (June 2024). The tarmac is in pretty good shape. there is also a large flat area of Tarmac next to the Abandoned RC Track although this is not in as good condition as the track.
The main track has lots of twists and turns, plus a long straight to make up ground along the back. there is also space to work on your car at the end of the track. There are no facilities in the area so you will need to bring anything you need with you. I like to take a small camping table to work on. We run a variety of cars when we go from 1/8 buggies. 1/10 Truggies and some various Tamiya 1/10 models.
I would recommend a tough vehicle for the track as the centre turns can catch you off guard and the smaller models tend to take damage from the built-up corners.
There is a fair amount of Rubbish and Dog mess in this area as Lochat Rd and the surrounding grounds are popular with dog walkers and local children.
Gaining Access to the Abandoned RC Track
When you arrive at the roundabout you will notice that one of the exits has a barrier across.
The barrier has an opening to the side for you to walk through. I am guessing the owners do not mind us using the track as it is not fenced off. We have been using the track on most nights for about a month and we have never had any problems with the locals or a landlord.
Proceed past the barrier and you will see a path branch off to the left through the trees. Once you walk through here you will find the large area of flat tarmac. Keep going into this area and you will spot another opening on the left which will take you directly to the Abandoned RC Track. there are no facilities of any kind here so please act respectfully and take any refreshments that you may need. please take your rubbish home. I have lived in this area for 50 years and the track was new to me. It would be a shame for the landlords to restrict access.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for a cheap local track the the Abandoned RC Track at Chattenden Kent is definitely for you. It is normally quiet so, you can get access easily and the best part is that it is FREE. Maybe I will see you up there.
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