Guided Walk from Charing to Hollingbourne along the North Downs Way

The Putting Down Routes team and project partner Black Girls Hike are delighted to invite you for an unforgettable 10 mile hike through the Heart of Kent.

Starting at Charing Railway Station, this guided walk will take us through the historic and picturesque village of Charing, located at the foot of the North Downs Way National Trail. We will point out some of the features and buildings that date from the 14th century.The walk will head onto the Northt Downs Way National Trail, then follow the gentle rolling route towards Hollingbourne. There are many points of interest along the way, we’ll hear about the ecology of the North Downs Way National Trail, some of the farming techniques we may see on route, we’ll learn about historic and current pilgrims and buildings and the varied fauna and flora of the trail.

With breaks to take in the views and some refreshment, the trail will then lead to the Lenham Cross, a war memorial carved into the chalk on the North Downs, before heading along the Downs above Harrietsham and meeting ‘Percy the Pilgrim’ for the perfect photo opportunity! The last stretch will take us to the pretty village of Hollingbourne where you could take the opportunity to explore the pretty village and enjoy it’s hospitality before jumping back on the train home. (Threestops back to Charing station).

Event Theme:

🌳 Countryside Walk

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⏰ What is the duration of this event? 6 hours

📏 What is the distance of the walk? 16km/10 miles

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? Linear - we start in Charing and finish at Hollingbourne

🧭 Where is the meeting point? Charing Station

👩🏿 Who can attend this walk? Is this walk open for all to attend? Is this walk for a particular community of people, if so, who? Are family and friends able to attend these walks?All are welcome although this is a safe space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women and non-binary people of Black African and/or Caribbean descent who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of Black women. We are not a BAME, POC, BIPOC,WOC, Politically Black or Ally organisation.

👩‍🦽 Is this walk suitable for those using wheeled mobility aids? Or for those with buggies? No

👨‍🦯 Is this walk suitable for those with those with other physical, learning, or mental health needs? This walk is fairly challenging and therefore suitable for those who are able to participate in a 6hr 10mile walking event

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? 18+ or over 12 if accompanied by an adult

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes - by train to Charing

For rail enquiries visit the National Rail website or For rail enquiries call 08457 48 49 50.

🅿 Is there parking? Yes paid parking is available at Charing Railway Station. All guided walks are free, and we encourage sustainable train travel to enter and leave the North Downs Way National Trail.

🏞 What is the terrain like on this walk? The terrain is uneven and therefore walking shoes/boots are essential

🚽 Are there toilets nearby? There is a non-disabled toilet at the start point at Charing station but none along the route

☕ Is there somewhere to get refreshments? Only at the end of the walk, please bring a packed lunch, snacks and water

🪑 Is there seating options along the route? No. Breaks will be taken and there are places to sit on the grass e.g. at the lunch picnic stop

🙏 Is there an opportunity to break for prayer if needed? Yes, please provide details prior to the day so that this may be accommodated.

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📷 Photos or videos are taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes across the Kent Downs National Landscape, Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark and North Downs Way National Trail. Images will also be shared with Sustrans and Kent Community Rail Partnership. Please notify the walk leader of your preferences and complete the consent form here.

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This event is part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project.

The Putting Down Routes project seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as upgrading and enhancing parts of the trail so they are more accessible to a wider range of people.

The project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.

Putting Down Routes is a collaborative project between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, working with partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels. Putting Downs Routes is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.