Walk on the North Down Way, Hollingbourne to Lenham - Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2023

About

A free guided walk with the Kent Community Rail Partnership from Hollingbourne to Lenham exploring the North Downs Way as part of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2023.

Now fully booked - join our waiting list by emailing info@heartofkentwalkingfestival.org

Find the Book Now form below by clicking 'Read More'

Starting at Hollingbourne Station, where you may be able to pick up a treat from the newly refurbished ticket office, which was closed for 30 years prior to its transformation into a community hub and café.  This walk begins with a fairly steep assent onto the North Downs.

The walk heads along the gentle rolling route along the Downs above Harrietsham whilst passing ‘Percy the Pilgrim’ towards Lenham. Along the way you may see the buzzards flying overhead, and the flora of the North Downs. There are many points of interest along the way and you may hear about the ecology of the North Downs Way, some of the farming techniques you may see, history, pilgrimages, fauna and flora of the trail.

With breaks to take in the views and some refreshment, the trail will lead to the Lenham Cross, a war memorial carved into the chalk on the North Downs, before heading down into the pretty village of Lenham.  You could take the opportunity to explore the boutique village shops and eateries before the short walk to Lenham station for your journey home. (Two stops back to Hollingbourne station).

Kent Community Rail Partnership encourage attendees to use sustainable travel to and from the meeting point.

What to do nearby?
Visit Leeds Castle
Experience Go Ape Forest Adventure at Leeds Castle
Head into town and visit Maidstone Museum
Take a trip to Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex and grab some street food or watch a film at Odeon Luxe
Grab a pub lunch or dinner at The Windmill

Where to stay? 

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast and Maiden's Tower Bed & Breakfast
Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

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.