My Planner
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
You are here: Walking Festival > Festival Walks
That's a wrap for this year, so please do sign up to the newsletter for news and updates throughout the year.
There were a variety of walks in stunning locations including the Kent North Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walks through the bluebell woods, walks passing castles and of the historic architecture of the picturesque villages. There are walks for all ages and abilities. From a strenuous 18 miles to short leisurely walks where there was time to enjoy the views, look at the flowers and simply stop and appreciate the natural environment.
With sustainability in mind many of the walks started close to train stations and bus routes. This means leaving the car at home and enjoying the journey. The train lines travel through some beautiful countryside so all you have to do is relax.
This years walks included:
Railway Station Walk: Started at Charing Railway Station and finished at Hollingbourne Railway Station.
This scenic guided walk began at Charing Railway Station and explored the historic village of Charing before joining the North Downs Way National Trail. Participants climbed onto the Kent Downs, enjoying panoramic views and rolling countryside on the journey towards Hollingbourne. Along the route, there were opportunities to pause for refreshments and admire landmarks including Lenham Cross. The walk concluded in the picturesque village of Hollingbourne, where walkers could catch a train home or relax in a local pub before returning.
Led by Andrew Kelly, founder of the Augustine Camino pilgrimage route, this gentle walk introduced participants to the traditions of pilgrimage in Kent. Walkers followed ancient paths once used by medieval pilgrims while discovering centuries of religious and social history. Highlights included viewing the relic of Aylesford’s medieval saint, hearing stories of Vikings, Crusaders and Reformers, admiring artwork from different periods, strolling through vineyards and visiting welcoming pilgrim-friendly pubs. The route also featured one of Kent’s most photographed viewpoints.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Harrietsham Railway Station.
Beginning at Harrietsham Railway Station, this guided walk explored the beautiful countryside surrounding the North Downs. Participants followed ancient pathways and woodland trails, leaving the village behind and passing Harrietsham Church, whose long history reflected centuries of settlement at the foot of the Downs. The route provided a wonderful mix of rural scenery, peaceful woodland and far-reaching views across the Kent landscape, offering walkers the chance to discover lesser-known corners of the Downs in a relaxed and sociable setting.
Starting at White Horse Wood Country Park within the Kent Downs National Landscape, this walk combined countryside, history and spectacular views. Participants followed open fields and woodland paths towards Hollingbourne before joining the North Downs Way, where panoramic vistas stretched across the River Len valley. After a scenic lunch stop, the group continued to the remains of Thurnham Castle, a site with a history dating back to Roman times. The walk showcased some of Kent’s finest landscapes and rich heritage.
Railway Station Walk: Started at Hollingbourne Railway Station.
This enjoyable eight-mile walk began at Hollingbourne Railway Station and headed through some of Kent’s most attractive countryside towards Leeds Castle, often described as the most beautiful castle in England. Along winding lanes and through charming villages, participants learned about medieval life, pilgrims travelling to Canterbury and the dramatic siege of Leeds Castle by Queen Isabella, the “She-Wolf of France.” The walk successfully combined history, storytelling and stunning scenery.
Railway Station Walk: No railway station start or finish.
This family-friendly wellbeing walk followed sections of the Greensand Way through the beautiful Kent countryside. Participants discovered folklore, myths and legends connected to local trees, wildlife and landscapes, while also picking up practical foraging tips. The route offered inspiring views across the Weald of Kent and opportunities to spot deer roaming the grounds of Boughton Monchelsea Place. A highlight of the day was an extended lunch stop at Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, where walkers met the sanctuary’s much-loved residents.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Bearsted Railway Station.
This guided circular walk celebrated the landscapes, history and stories of the Kent Downs through creative writing, storytelling and shared experiences. Departing from Bearsted Railway Station, participants climbed through countryside and woodland towards Detling before visiting the ruins of Thurnham Castle. Along the way, walkers learned about local history, geology and Kent’s proposed UNESCO Geopark status. The event provided a welcoming opportunity to connect with nature, creativity and fellow walkers.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Higham Station
This circular walk explored the landscapes, roads and villages that influenced the life and writing of Charles Dickens. Following country lanes and quiet roads around Higham, participants discovered places closely associated with one of England’s greatest novelists. Stories of Dickens’ life, literary inspirations and the social history of Victorian Kent brought the landscape to life. The walk offered a unique opportunity to experience the countryside through the eyes of a writer whose works continue to inspire readers worldwide.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Harrietsham Railway Station.
This scenic figure-of-eight walk offered flexibility for participants, covering approximately ten miles in the morning and six miles in the afternoon. Beginning in Harrietsham, the morning section headed south and west towards Leeds Castle before returning to the village. Walkers who preferred a shorter day were able to finish at this point. The afternoon route climbed towards the North Downs and Ringlestone before returning to Harrietsham, providing varied landscapes, excellent views and a rewarding day of walking.
Railway Station Walk: Started at Charing Railway Station and finished at Wye Railway Station.
Following a section of the historic North Downs Way, this guided walk began in the village of Charing before tracing routes used by pilgrims, traders and travellers for thousands of years. Walking at a comfortable pace, participants paused regularly to enjoy the scenery and learn about the area’s rich history. Highlights included a visit to the ruins of St Mary’s Church at Eastwell and beautiful views across the Downs. The walk finished in the picturesque village of Wye.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Sole Street Railway Station.
This circular walk from Sole Street explored the heart of the Kent Downs National Landscape. Passing vineyards, ancient woodland, the hamlet of Luddesdown and sections of both the Wealdway and North Downs Way, the route offered a rich mix of scenery and heritage. Along the way, participants heard local stories, including connections to Charles Dickens, while discovering the distinctive chalk landscapes that characterise this part of Kent. The walk provided a rewarding combination of nature, history and countryside.
Railway Station Walk: Started and finished at Sole Street Railway Station.
This guided night walk offered participants the chance to experience the Kent Downs in a unique and memorable way. Following a route through vineyards, woodland, Luddesdown, Cobham Mausoleum and sections of famous long-distance trails, the walk began in daylight and continued after dark. Participants enjoyed the tranquillity of the countryside at night, listening for wildlife and looking for the moon and stars. The experience revealed a different side of this beautiful landscape.
This accessible guided walk through Trosley Country Park was designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities and their companions. Following an easy-access trail through woodland and chalk downland, participants engaged their senses while exploring nature. They enjoyed woodland views, birdsong, natural textures and woodland scents, while discovering sculptures hidden among the trees. The experience concluded with the opportunity to visit the Bluebell Café, creating a welcoming and inclusive event focused on wellbeing and connection with nature.
The Royal Kentish Camino celebrated the lives of three remarkable women who helped shape the history of Christianity in Kent and England: Queen Bertha, Queen Ethelburga and Princess Eanswythe. During this first stage of the pilgrimage, participants visited important historic sites including St Martin’s Church and St Mary’s Church at Bishopsbourne. Along the route, walkers discovered fascinating stories, historic landmarks and beautiful countryside while exploring the enduring appeal of pilgrimage and purposeful walking.
Railway Station Walk: Started at Wye Railway Station and finished at Chilham Railway Station.
This gentle walk between two of Kent’s most attractive villages focused on slowing down, connecting with nature and enjoying good company. Following peaceful countryside paths with occasional views towards Canterbury Cathedral, participants enjoyed opportunities for reflection, conversation and appreciation of the surrounding landscape. The walk promoted wellbeing and community while providing a relaxed and welcoming experience for both local residents and visitors.
Railway Station Walk: Started at Sevenoaks Railway Station.
Beginning at Sevenoaks Railway Station, this walk led participants into the magnificent landscape of Knole Park, home to ancient trees, sweeping grasslands and herds of fallow deer. Passing Knole House, walkers learned about its fascinating history and literary connections before joining the Greensand Way. Along the trail, participants enjoyed stunning views across the Weald of Kent, taking in a patchwork of woodland and farmland while experiencing one of the county’s most beautiful landscapes.
This five-mile circular walk began in the historic village of Cliffe, one of the oldest settlements on the Hoo Peninsula. Following sections of the Saxon Shore Way, participants explored a landscape shaped by centuries of history and the distinctive character of the North Kent Marshes. Highlights included the striking ruins of Cooling Castle and expansive countryside views rich in birdlife. The walk successfully combined fascinating heritage with the peaceful beauty of Kent’s rural landscapes.
To choose the right walk for you, please see the walk grades and accessibility key below. Each walk will contain the walk grade and accessibility information in their description.
1. Easy Access: walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections.
2. Easy walks: for anyone who does not have mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
3. Leisurely: walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
4. Moderate: walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
5. Strenuous: walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness levels should contact the organiser or walk leader in advance.
People in doubt about their fitness levels should contact the organiser or walk leader in advance.
A1. Walkers need to be reasonably agile and mobile. Not suitable for walkers with mobility impairment of any kind.
A2. Suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of stairs.
A3. Suitable for a person with restricted walking ability and for those that may need to use a wheelchair some of the time.
A4. Suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair.
A5. Suitable for medium sized mobility scooters.
No results found.
Ratings & Reviews
Powered By
© Visit Maidstone 2026. All Rights Reserved
