Wye Welcome Walk | The Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026

About

Walking Wye to Chilham with views of Canterbury Cathedral.

Join us for a relaxed and enriching walk through the historic village of Wye, set within the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This thoughtfully paced walk celebrates the landscape, stories, and quiet beauty that make walking in Kent so special.

Starting in the village, we pass traditional Kentish buildings, village greens, and traces of Wye’s long academic and agricultural heritage. This short walk takes you from one chocolate-box village to another via the incredible sights of The King's Wood.

This 11km walk begins at Wye and treks through beautiful farmland towards Perry Court Farm where you can eat delicious apple juice and buy a picnic lunch for your journey. Passing the historic All Saints Church in Boughton Aluph, you will then head into the immense Kings Wood, a 1500 acres site that is dotted with incredible art sculptures, pine-scented trails and is one of the best bluebell spots in the county!

Your walk finishes in the medieval village square of Chilham, flanked by Chilham Castle, a tearoom, a pub, a church and half timbered buildings.

Along the route, walkers will experience: Moments to pause, notice and reconnect—with nature, place and each other

This walk is as much about slowing down as it is about exploration. There will be opportunities for gentle reflection, shared conversation, and simply enjoying being outdoors together. As part of the Kent Walking Festival, this walk celebrates walking as a way to support wellbeing, strengthen community, and deepen our connection to Kent’s remarkable landscapes. Whether you’re local or visiting, this walk offers a welcoming and grounding experience—one step at a time.

 

Walk Details and Key Facilities:

• Grade: Moderate.
• Distance/Time: Approx. 10.3 km / 2.5–3 hours.
• Terrain: Woodland paths (King's Wood), farmland, and country lanes. Features steep sections and can be muddy.
• Start: Wye Railway Station.
• Finish: Chilham Village Square and Station
• Transport: Easy to return by train (trains run between Wye and Chilham stations).
• Parking: bays and street parking in Wye

Facilities/Highlights:

• Wye: Village shops, cafes, and pubs.
• Perry Court Farm: Apple juice, tearoom, and picnic items (near start).
• All Saints Church, Boughton Aluph: Historic church.
• King's Wood: Large, hilly woodland area (1,500 acres).
• Chilham Village: Medieval square, tearoom, pub (The White Horse) and church.