Trails and Ales: London Hiking Group

Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 8 Detling to Lenham 20km

Sun, May 3 · 8:55 AM BST

London Victoria Station, Victoria Street, London, Greater London, SW1V 1JU, London, GB

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 8: Detling to Lenham.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;

1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)

2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 Find events and groups | WeRoad (the event might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)

3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information:
Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
Stroll in the footsteps of the pilgrims past ancient ruins and lush woodland. Start your 20km walk from Bearsted and head back to the picturesque village of Detling before passing an elegant Tudor gateway and joining The Pilgrims Way. A climb up a steep hill onto the chalk ridge takes you to White Horse Wood Country Park and the ruins of Thurnham Castle, before heading into ancient woodland with wonderful panoramic views. You’ll explore the Hucking Estate, protected by The Woodland Trust, and finish your walk at the charming village of Lenham.

• MEET: 08.45 London Victoria. We'll be aiming to board the 08.55am train to Bearsted. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from alternative stations.
• STARTING POINT: Bearsted Station 10.05
• ENDING POINT: Lenham Station (around 4.30-5pm)

What to bring Essentials:

🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 9 Lenham to Wye 17km

Sun, May 17 · 8:50 AM BST

London Victoria Station, Victoria Street, London, Greater London, SW1V 1JU, London, GB

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 9: Lenham to Wye.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;

1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)

2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 Find events and groups | WeRoad (the event might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)

3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information:
Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
Walk high above the Kent Weald, weave through stunning vineyards and pass through the finest fruit farms and farm shops the county has to offer. This wonderful 17km walk starts on the outskirts of Lenham, best known for being the main source of the River Stour. You’ll pass the Lenham Memorial Cross dedicated to the lives lost in the First and Second World War. Your walk continues high above The Weald, along both the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way. Look out for the vineyards of Westwell Vineyard before making your way into idyllic Wye village, with riverside pubs and picturesque cafes and independent shops to enjoy.

• MEET: 08.40 London Victoria. We'll catch the 08:50 train to Lenham. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Lenham Station 10.17
• ENDING POINT: Wye Station (around 4.00-4.30pm)

What to bring Essentials:

🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 10 Wye to Folkstone 28km

Sun, May 31 · 8:43 AM BST

london bridge, Totley street, london, GB

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 10: Wye to Folkstone.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;

1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)

2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 Find events and groups | WeRoad (the event might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)

3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information:
Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
You’ll find stunning views and steep ascents along this section of the walk. Your first ascent will take you to the Wye Crown and one of the most important and stunning sections of the trail. This very spot witnessed the official opening of the North Downs Way in 1978.

Along the way to Folkestone you’ll pass the striking drop of the Devil’s Kneading Trough National Nature Reserve, a great crevice which is the deepest of the dry combes in the area. The trail bursts out onto the coast above the Channel Tunnel terminal looking across Folkestone to the English Channel.

• MEET: 08.30am, London Bridge. We'll catch the 08.43 train to Wye. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from alternative stations.
• STARTING POINT: Wye 10.03
• ENDING POINT: Folkstone Station (around 4.30-5pm)

What to bring Essentials:

🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 11 Folkstone to Shepherdswell 28km

Sun, Jun 14 · 9:07 AM BST

London St Pancras Station, Kings Cross, London, GB

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 11: Folkstone to Shepherdswell via Dover.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;

1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)

2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 Find events and groups | WeRoad (the event might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)

3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information:
Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
Spectacular views lie in wait for you along this stretch of Heritage Coast. Travel along the top of the escarpment and you’ll be treated to views over the English Channel before you’ll descending into Dover, crossing the top of the great Shakespeare Cliff, said to be the inspiration for a passage in King Lear.

Over Western Heights you will have the chance to soak up spectacular views, encompassing the vibrant harbour and the imposing stronghold of Dover Castle. The magnificent castle has held a momentous role in history as the largest castle in England and a significant point of defence.

The White Cliffs Country Trail, takes you across the iconic White Cliffs out of Dover and turns into a gentle amble through rolling countryside with flashes of the distant sea behind.

Waldershare Park estate offers an impressive distraction along the route, complete with the Belvedere Tower, a grand house and mews.

Following the Via Francigena, we wind through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding natural Beauty and arrive in the quiet village of Shepherdswell.

• MEET: 08.50 London St Pancras. We'll catch the 09.07 train to Folkstone Central. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Folkstone Central Station 10.03
• ENDING POINT: Shepherdswell (around 4.30-5pm)

What to bring Essentials:

🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!