It's a Wrap for 2026 – Thank You!
The Heart of Kent Walking Festival has wrapped up for another fantastic year! A heartfelt thank you to all the walk leaders and the hundreds of participants who joined us and enjoyed the beautiful March weather.
This year’s festival took place in and around Maidstone, showcasing stunning routes through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the seasonal bluebells of Hucking Estate, and charming local villages. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to walking, the festival offered something for everyone—inviting all to enjoy the fresh air, connect with nature, and share great company.
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About the Organisers
The 2026 Heart of Kent Walking Festival was brought to you by a dedicated group of partners, led by the Visit Maidstone events team at Maidstone Borough Council. Collaborators include Kent Community Rail Partnership, Long Distance Walkers Association, Walk Wild, Balfour Winery, Boots on Adventures, Hike South East, Augustine Camino, and more.
Our Commitment
Our Walking Festival is about more than enjoying beautiful landscapes and discovering new places—it is about helping our communities and environment thrive.
By choosing to explore on foot, you are embracing a low-impact way to travel while supporting local businesses, cafés, accommodation providers, and attractions along the way. Walking encourages a deeper connection with the people, heritage, culture, and nature that make this area special.
We believe tourism should leave places better than it found them. Through the festival, we encourage visitors to slow down, explore responsibly, respect local environments, and contribute to the wellbeing of the communities they visit. Every walk is an opportunity to learn about the landscape, celebrate local stories, and help support a sustainable future for our destination.
Thank you for being part of a festival that not only showcases our wonderful region but also helps protect and enhance it for future generations.
Stay in Touch
Got a question or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you—please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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