* Rescheduled* Guided walk from Charing to Hollingbourne

The Putting Down Routes team and project partner Black Girls Hike are delighted to offer a scenic walk in 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 North 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 its hospitality before jumping back on the train home. (Three stops back to Charing station)

Event Theme:

🌳 Countryside Walk

🍃 Nature Walk

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⏰ What is the duration of this event? 6 hours with breaks.

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

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? A linear walk. Starting at Charing train station and ending at Hollingbourne train station.

🧭 Where is the meeting point?

Charing Rail Station

44 Station Rd, Charing TN27 0JA

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We aim to set off from the above meeting point promptly following registration, photo consent checks and brief introductions. Please notify us by email if you are delayed and we can advise you of our whereabouts, so you can catch up with the group.

Please be aware that we will have to depart on time and will be unable to wait for anyone.

👩🏿‍🦱 Who can attend this walk? We welcome everyone who respects the ethos of our community. Our events create a safe space for Black/ Mixed Race cis and trans women, as well as 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. There are some steps and stiles on this route, not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

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

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? 18+, 12+ with an accompanying adult.

🎒 What do I need to bring? Please bring walking sticks if you would like additional support, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, wear boots with good ankle support that you would not mind getting dirty - muddy paths. Please bring any medications that you are currently taking.

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes. Starting at Charing train station and finishing at Hollingbourne train station.

🅿 Is there parking? Yes paid parking is available at Charing Railway Station. We encourage sustainable train travel to enter and leave the Kent 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? People of all faiths are welcome to pray on the route. Please provide details prior to the day so that this may be accommodated.

🐕 Is this event dog friendly? All dogs are welcome however, may need to be on leads during parts of the walk e.g. crossing roads and near livestock.

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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, North Downs Way National Trail and Black Girls Hike. 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.