FREE HIKE 21km | Pilgrim’s Path to Canterbury Cathedral

SUMMARY:
🥾 21 km (13 miles) | Point-to-Point | Ascent: 243m | Descent: : 275m | ~6 hours
🚆 Train from London Charing Cross train station *via Ashford International
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Charing Cross - Main Ticket Office | 08:40 (Train is at 09:07)
2- Wye outside train station | 10:05
📍 Hike start: Wye outside train station | 10:15
🏁 Hike finish: Canterbury | approx. 17:00-18:00
⚠️ Some terrain can be muddy or uneven: good walking shoes recommended
📈 Grade: Moderate

📖ABOUT:
Join us for a beautiful day 21km hike along an ancient pilgrimage route through the Kent countryside!
Starting from the village of Wye, we’ll follow part of the famous North Downs Way and Stour Valley Walk, taking in rolling hills, open farmland, peaceful woodlands, and charming villages.
This trail finishes in the historic city of Canterbury, with its iconic cathedral visible from miles away.
It’s a walk rich in natural beauty and medieval history, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of views, culture, and a satisfying challenge.

🌟HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wye Village & Church of St Gregory and St Martin: A charming starting point with a historic Norman church.
• Wye Memorial Crown: The Wye Crown is a 180-foot hillside sculpture created in 1902 to mark King Edward VII’s coronation. Hidden during WWII, it now sits beneath the North Downs Way and offers great views over Wye.
• Olantigh Estate & Franscombe Wood: Beautiful estate grounds and shaded woodland paths.
• Eggringe Wood & Denge Wood: Ancient woodlands rich with wildlife and home to prehistoric burial monuments.
• Chartham Village: A quaint riverside village featuring the 13th-century Church of St Mary and the Chapel of St John the Baptist.
• The Great Stour Way: A peaceful riverside trail leading directly into Canterbury, perfect for relaxed walking and spotting swans or herons.
• Canterbury Cathedral: The iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site and final destination for countless pilgrims across history.

💡TIPS:

• Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots because parts of the trail can be muddy or uneven, especially after rain.
• Pack a light rain jacket, even in summer. Weather can change quickly on the downs

💷COST:
Free

🚆TRAINS:

• Outbound: 09:07 from London Charing Cross *via Ashford International
• Arrival: 10:03 at Wye
• Visit National Rail for details

⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Meet: 2 Options
  1- London Charing Cross - Main Ticket Office | 08:40
  2- Wye outside train station | 10:05
• Hike start: Outside Wye train station | 10:15
• Hike finish: Canterbury | Approx. 17:00–18:00

🚏DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx 21km (13 miles)
• Ascent: 243 m
• Descent: 275m
• Max elevation: 179 m
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: Approx. 6 hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 5 km/h (~3.1 mph)

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

⚠️SAFETY:
As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

❗️NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

🚨DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

🚨GENERAL GROUP POLICY:

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

🚨FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.