Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Bonus 'Loop' Section - Canterbury to Wye 25km

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. Completing the Canterbury Loop - Canterbury 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](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0LndoYXRzYXBwLmNvbS9Ld2ZmdnVLalNDTEljQ0RVUXh5dG1s/A42ABEC437C09EA5B53D7A8060DE06FF433E0A4F9E0C77D232A5314E59800F07?c=5&i=1&docs=1) - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
This section completes the ‘Canterbury Loop’ – you may have noticed we’ve taken the long way to Canterbury via the coastline – saving the ultimate pinnacle of pilgrimage to the end of our walk but on this section, you can complete the NDW trail in its entirety.

From historic Canterbury we trace the paths of pilgrims who would have been walking in the opposite direction – into Canterbury. We leave the majestic cathedral behind and head into the expanse of No Mans Orchard and toward St Dunstan’s Church where weary travellers once paused to pray before making the final approach to Canterbury.

Passing an Iron Age Hillfort dating back to 54BC and through The King’s Wood, a 1500 acres site that is dotted with incredible art sculptures - much of this section of the trail is where robbers once prayed on pilgrims.

The Pilgrims Way was originally the track which served many travellers on their way to commemorate the death of Thomas Becket. However, the track later became the subject of Chaucer’s satirical Canterbury Tales. 212 years after Becket’s death, this trek had begun to be associated with leisure and sin rather than penance.

As we continue we pass from one chocolate-box village to another, through the medieval village square of Chilham, flanked by Chilham Castle and half-timbered buildings, historic All Saints Church in Boughton Aluph, Perry Court Farm and beautiful farmland to finish in Wye.

• MEET: 08.30, London Bridge. We'll catch the 08:43 train to Canterbury West. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Canterbury West 10.19
• ENDING POINT: Wye (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!