Heart of Kent Walking Festival

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April 2020 

Welcome to the official page for the Heart of Kent Walking Festival. This brand new 2 day event will take place in some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes - with walks running through the North Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and along the Medway Valley, offering some peaceful waterside walking. You can also expect be walks through the bluebell woods, walks passing neolithic stones, ruined castles, lovely local villages and delicious pub lunches. The walks will be organised and led by local expert partners and will be of varying difficulty and distance, from 1 mile to 22 miles!

No matter what your age or ability, the Heart of Kent Walking Festival will provide the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors, relax in nature and meet friendly, like-minded people. 

Veiw the full walks programme here, and don't forget to sign-up to the Heart of Kent Walking Festival newsletter to keep up to date with all the exciting news. 

The Walks Programme

There are a variety of walks for all ages and abilities. From a strenuous 22 miles to a short mindfulness walk where you will get time to enjoy the views, look at the flowers and simply stop and appreciate the natural environment. Some routes are accessible for those needing to travel with wheels or simply needing a more even surface.

Saturday 25th

Sunday 26th

Walk Grades:

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.

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, Some walks are unsuitable for children. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

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.

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.

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.

Download the full walks programme here and book your tickets here.

Get Walking Now: Self-Guided Walking

In the meantine, why not get out in the great outdoors and enjoy walking in the fresh air and countryside. Kent and the borough of Maidstone are spoilt by an abundance of walking trails, including the infamous North Downs Trail, Area of Outstanding Beauty, and beautiful countryside parks. View our self-guided walking programme here and get exploring.

Sustainable Transport and Walking

With sustainability in mind many of the walks will start close to train stations and bus routes. This means you can leave your car at home and enjoy the journey.  The train lines travel through some beautiful countryside so all you have to do is relax. 

About the Festival Organisers

The festival is a collaboration of organisations, led by Visit Maidstone from Maidstone Borough Council and include: Kent Downs AONB, Kent County Council, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, Maidstone Ramblers, Medway Ramblers, Kent Wildlife Trust, Long Distance Walks Association, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, Long Distance Walkers Association, The Kent Downs, Augustine Camino and others.

Contact: info@heartofkentwalkingfestival.org