Working in collaboration with Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent CRP are guiding walks on the Kent Downs Way. Together we aim to bring more sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round.

On Friday 30 Sept Aug 15 walkers set off from Charing station and walked 10 miles/16KM along the Kent Downs Way to Hollingbourne. 23 walkers had booked via Eventbrite however, the weather forecast was 100% rain for several days prior to the walk which clearly put some off! Fortunately the whole walk was dry and rain only fell once walkers had arrived at Hollingbourne station for their train journey home. Some walkers enjoyed a drink at The Sugar Loaves in Hollingbourne prior to catching the train. The guided walk included information sharing on the fauna, flora and farming methods of the KDW also information covering pilgrimages, local views and how the Kent Downs was used as a navigation tool during the World Wars.

All said they’d like to join another walk and no suggestions were forthcoming when asked for ideas for improving the walk – one said it was perfect!

Volunteer North Downs Way Ambassador Dr Simon Drake attended as back marker and shared his expertise in geology.

Walkers travelled from Eltham, Dorking, Chatham, Harrietsham, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Ulcombe and Lenham.