Pilgrimage Walk from Thurnham to Bredgar - Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2023

About

Come along on a guided pilgrimage walk on the third leg of the Augustine Camino and explore nature reserves and beautiful villages in the Kentish countryside as part of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2023.

​​​​This section of the route heads over the North Downs via two local nature reserves to the beautiful village of Bredgar with its pond and farm shop. We start at the Black Horse at Thurnham – right on the Pilgrim’s Way, a real traditional Kentish pub. The path heads up the Downs to Cold Blow where we pass through paddocks to the Woodland Trust, Hucking Estate. After viewing the wild boar sculptures, we stroll down the dry valley to the village. St Margaret’s church is quiet and attractive, much in demand for weddings. From here we head down to Admiral and Gorham woods which are managed by local volunteers as a nature reserve. The last section of the walk takes us across arable fields to Bredgar and a welcome lunch. Return to cars left at Thurnham is by taxi. Alternatively, Sittingbourne railway station is nearby for onward travel.

The Augustine Camino is a long-distance walking route from Rochester Cathedral to the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate via Canterbury and Faversham. The route has featured on Radio 4 and in the Sunday Times and Guardian, which you can find out more about by clicking here.

What can you do nearby?

Explore the White Horse Wood Country Park and Thurnham Castle

Discover Vinters Valley Nature Reserve

Create something special at This Art of Mine

Play some golf at Bearsted Golf Course

Where to stay?

The Black Horse Inn

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

Orida Maidstone Hotel

Village Hotel

Special Offers for Bookers

The Ivy Coffee House will be providing a voucher to all attendees of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival for 10% off any hot drink purchased with them. Vouchers will be sent to walkers the day before their walk.