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Join us for Free to Roam: Wye Downs & Crundale Circular. This nine mile walk offers everything from dramatic valleys, wildflower meadows, woodland shade, and iconic views over the Stour Valley. The route will remind you how grounding it is to roam freely and share space with people who get it.

What makes the day even more special?
✨ Creative writing pauses
✨ Mindfulness moments led with care
✨ A gentle, steady pace
✨ A small group of QTBIPOC walkers building connection with land and each other

📅 23rd May 2026
🌱 Free to attend
📍 Wye, Kent
🕊️ For queer folks of colour with lived experience of the UK immigration system

Book your free place now: www.outsavvy.com/event/36122/free-to-roam-wye-downs-and-crundale-circular 🔗 in bio

#NorthDownsWay #KentDowns @kentdownsnl #queernature

Slow down and reconnect with nature this month🌿

Join our North Downs Way and Geopark Ambassador for a relaxed wellbeing walk around Halling as part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR one-year anniversary celebrations.

The six-mile walk follows woodland paths and stretches of the North Downs Way, with wide views across the valley, birdsong, and plenty of chances to pause and take it all in. Along the way, there will be a stop at Court Farm for refreshments before continuing through this peaceful corner of the Kent Downs.

📆 30 May 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 3pm
📍 Halling, Kent
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NKWDNNR #NatureOnYourDoorstep #OneYearWild @BirlingEstate @ForestryEngland @graveshambc @kcc_kent @NaturalEngland @NationalTrust @medway_council_news @LovePlantlife @TheWoodlandTrust @SilverhandEstate @ccwp_wkdct @shornewoodscountrypark @trosleycountrypark @chalktocoast @walkwildwellbeing @northdownswaynt @geoparktransmanche

Slow down and reconnect with nature this month🌿

Join our North Downs Way and Geopark Ambassador for a relaxed wellbeing walk around Halling as part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR one-year anniversary celebrations.

The six-mile walk follows woodland paths and stretches of the North Downs Way, with wide views across the valley, birdsong, and plenty of chances to pause and take it all in. Along the way, there will be a stop at Court Farm for refreshments before continuing through this peaceful corner of the Kent Downs.

📆 30 May 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 3pm
📍 Halling, Kent
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NKWDNNR #NatureOnYourDoorstep #OneYearWild @BirlingEstate @ForestryEngland @graveshambc @kcc_kent @NaturalEngland @NationalTrust @medway_council_news @LovePlantlife @TheWoodlandTrust @SilverhandEstate @ccwp_wkdct @shornewoodscountrypark @trosleycountrypark @chalktocoast @walkwildwellbeing @northdownswaynt @geoparktransmanche

Slow down and reconnect with nature this month🌿

Join our North Downs Way and Geopark Ambassador for a relaxed wellbeing walk around Halling as part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR one-year anniversary celebrations.

The six-mile walk follows woodland paths and stretches of the North Downs Way, with wide views across the valley, birdsong, and plenty of chances to pause and take it all in. Along the way, there will be a stop at Court Farm for refreshments before continuing through this peaceful corner of the Kent Downs.

📆 30 May 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 3pm
📍 Halling, Kent
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NKWDNNR #NatureOnYourDoorstep #OneYearWild @BirlingEstate @ForestryEngland @graveshambc @kcc_kent @NaturalEngland @NationalTrust @medway_council_news @LovePlantlife @TheWoodlandTrust @SilverhandEstate @ccwp_wkdct @shornewoodscountrypark @trosleycountrypark @chalktocoast @walkwildwellbeing @northdownswaynt @geoparktransmanche

It's National Walking Month, join us as we take a look back at our March Walk. As part of the Kent Walking Festival, this walk celebrated walking as a way to support wellbeing, strengthen community and deepen our connection to Kent’s remarkable landscapes. This liner walk offered a welcoming and grounding experience one step at a time.

We started in Wye and made our way to Perry Court Farm, where we visited Jess and learned more about the farms history, local produce and the surrounding landscape.

We met up with Rita at All Saints Church, hearing stories about the churches origins, history and culture. We even learned about pilgrims who once travelled through the area.

We then continued into the historical Kings Wood, stopping at the coppice oratory where we enjoyed lunch, good company and views across the woodland.

National Walking Month is a reminder that getting active doesn’t have to be complicated. Walking is free, flexible and open to everyone.

By taking part whether on your own or with others you’re not just improving your health, but also contributing to stronger, more connected communities.

#nationalwalkingmonth #northdownsway #natureconnection #pilgrimsway #kentdowns

A peaceful wander at The Friars, Aylesford

I visited the beautiful Priory grounds at Aylesford, a place full of history, calm spaces and riverside beauty.
Founded in the 1200s, the site is now a welcoming place for reflection, community and gentle exploring, with gardens, peaceful walks, a café and creative spaces to enjoy.

There’s always something special about discovering places like this together… and who knows 👀 this could become a future Maroon Adventures walk 🥾🍃

Would you join us for a nature and heritage wander here?

#MaroonAdventures #NorthDownsWay #AylesfordPriory #NatureConnection #WalkingTogether KentWalks WellbeingInNature FutureWalks CommunityAdventure

The Kent Downs team need your input to help develop a project plan to protect, conserve, and celebrate some of Kent's nationally significant ancient monuments and listed buildings.

Our heritage tells the story of who we are — and we want to make sure those stories are protected, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.

We’re gathering local insight to help shape a new project exploring how we care for ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and the landscapes that hold Kent’s oldest memories.

Whether you’re passionate about history, enjoy exploring local landmarks, or simply want to help safeguard the places that make Kent unique, your voice matters.

Share your thoughts in our short engagement survey:

👉 www.kent.gov.uk/echoesofthepast 🔗 in bio.

Your feedback will help guide future conservation work, community activities, and ways to bring our shared heritage to life.

#KentDowns #Heritage #CulturalHeritage #HistoricKent #AncientMonuments

We had a lovely morning with pupils from Beacon School on a Wellbeing Sensory session in Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone.

Our sensory facilitators and North Downs Way Ambassadors @walkwildwellbeing @mobility_in_the_wild @helsfer guided the pupils and their carers around the landscape whilst connecting with nature through the available senses of sound, sight, touch and smell.

The nature connections bring feelings of joy and help relieve some of the self stimulating behaviours that are associated with neurodivergent conditions.The natural landscape also brings relaxation and calm, through awareness of the surroundings.

We listened to the birdsong and waves, felt the earth, pebbles, tree bark and leaves.Admired the beauty of flowers and smelt herbs.We spotted butterflies and bees and birds.

At the end of the session the wind really picked up, so was a blustery end to an otherwise warm yet cloudy morning.

Thanks to @northdownswaynt Putting Down Routes Project for supporting these valuable and beneficial nature sensory sessions.

@the_beacon_learning is an outstanding rated foundation special school who serve pupils with a range of profound, severe and complex needs.So we really value our sessions with them.

We especially appreciate how nature interaction can enhance communication without the need for words. 🫶🏼🌱🌳🍃🍂🍁🌺🌻🌾

#accessiblenaturewalk
#sensorynatureplay
#naturecommunication

🌈 Join Us For A Day Of Walking, Creative Writing And Mindfulness In The Kent Downs As Part Of National Walking Month!

🤸🏽 Led by North Downs Way ambassador, we’re heading out of London to walk the Wye Downs and Crundale Circular: 9.3 miles of chalk downland, sweeping valley views, wildflower meadows, and woodland shade along the North Downs Way.

🫧 Along the way, we’ll pause for free-flowing writing, poetry games, and guided mindfulness — savouring the joy of roaming free.

🐚 This walk will be led by Jo (@enjou28 ) and Emily (@lrceml ) two curious humans passionate about nature and community. Read more about them in the sign up page! (Link in bioooo)

📅 Saturday 23 May 2026

📍 Wye, Kent (train from St Pancras)

📏 9.3 miles | Moderate difficulty

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small group — 8 places only

💸 Free to attend

Some prior walking experience preferred. Full details and sign-up link in bio.

#nationalwalkingmonth2026

🌈 Join Us For A Day Of Walking, Creative Writing And Mindfulness In The Kent Downs As Part Of National Walking Month!

🤸🏽 Led by North Downs Way ambassador, we’re heading out of London to walk the Wye Downs and Crundale Circular: 9.3 miles of chalk downland, sweeping valley views, wildflower meadows, and woodland shade along the North Downs Way.

🫧 Along the way, we’ll pause for free-flowing writing, poetry games, and guided mindfulness — savouring the joy of roaming free.

🐚 This walk will be led by Jo (@enjou28 ) and Emily (@lrceml ) two curious humans passionate about nature and community. Read more about them in the sign up page! (Link in bioooo)

📅 Saturday 23 May 2026

📍 Wye, Kent (train from St Pancras)

📏 9.3 miles | Moderate difficulty

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small group — 8 places only

💸 Free to attend

Some prior walking experience preferred. Full details and sign-up link in bio.

#nationalwalkingmonth2026

Started today up at Bluebell Hill with Jenn Phillips taking part in filming for the North Downs Way National Trail. A group of volunteers from Kent Wildlife Trust has been doing work on the site including replacing old gates with new, larger ones to make the trail more accessible. The film is being made in conjunction with the National Trails, UK. Hannah (from NTUK) and Ross (the film maker) were very clear and efficient and it was all wrapped up very quickly.

I’m now heading up to London where Jenn and I will be working for the next couple of days on a marathon charity trek for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Started today up at Bluebell Hill with Jenn Phillips taking part in filming for the North Downs Way National Trail. A group of volunteers from Kent Wildlife Trust has been doing work on the site including replacing old gates with new, larger ones to make the trail more accessible. The film is being made in conjunction with the National Trails, UK. Hannah (from NTUK) and Ross (the film maker) were very clear and efficient and it was all wrapped up very quickly.

I’m now heading up to London where Jenn and I will be working for the next couple of days on a marathon charity trek for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Started today up at Bluebell Hill with Jenn Phillips taking part in filming for the North Downs Way National Trail. A group of volunteers from Kent Wildlife Trust has been doing work on the site including replacing old gates with new, larger ones to make the trail more accessible. The film is being made in conjunction with the National Trails, UK. Hannah (from NTUK) and Ross (the film maker) were very clear and efficient and it was all wrapped up very quickly.

I’m now heading up to London where Jenn and I will be working for the next couple of days on a marathon charity trek for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Also happening during National Walking Month is a 13km guided walk for adults from Chilham to Canterbury on Sunday 17 May, led by North Downs Way Ambassador, Jane Taylor @jane_taylormadewalks.

This 13km rail trail linear route takes in some typical scenery for this part of Kent – orchards, pasture, arable fields, ancient woodlands and a few small villages. Along the way, we will pause to admire one of the art sculptures that make up the North Downs Way Art Trail. The walk will take approximately 5 hours, at a pace that is comfortable for the whole group, including a lunch stop and shorter rest breaks as needed.

Book now ➡️www.kentdowns.org.uk/events/ 🔗in bio.

#NorthDownsWay #NationalWalkingMonth2026

Walk through thousands of years of history this May 🌿

As part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR's one-year anniversary, our North Downs Way and Geopark ambassador is leading a special two-day journey along the Neolithic Trail, exploring the Medway Megaliths and the stories shaped by this landscape over time.

Follow sections of the North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way, visit sites like Kits Coty and Coldrum Long Barrow, and take in sweeping views across the Kent Downs. As the day ends, gather around the fire, enjoy a hearty meal, and settle into the stillness of the landscape.

📆 24-25 May 2026
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Aylesford
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NorthKentNNR #KingsNNRs #NatureNearYou #KentDowns #NationalNatureReserve @kentwalkinggroup @northdownswaynt

Walk through thousands of years of history this May 🌿

As part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR's one-year anniversary, our North Downs Way and Geopark ambassador is leading a special two-day journey along the Neolithic Trail, exploring the Medway Megaliths and the stories shaped by this landscape over time.

Follow sections of the North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way, visit sites like Kits Coty and Coldrum Long Barrow, and take in sweeping views across the Kent Downs. As the day ends, gather around the fire, enjoy a hearty meal, and settle into the stillness of the landscape.

📆 24-25 May 2026
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Aylesford
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NorthKentNNR #KingsNNRs #NatureNearYou #KentDowns #NationalNatureReserve @kentwalkinggroup @northdownswaynt

Walk through thousands of years of history this May 🌿

As part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR's one-year anniversary, our North Downs Way and Geopark ambassador is leading a special two-day journey along the Neolithic Trail, exploring the Medway Megaliths and the stories shaped by this landscape over time.

Follow sections of the North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way, visit sites like Kits Coty and Coldrum Long Barrow, and take in sweeping views across the Kent Downs. As the day ends, gather around the fire, enjoy a hearty meal, and settle into the stillness of the landscape.

📆 24-25 May 2026
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Aylesford
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NorthKentNNR #KingsNNRs #NatureNearYou #KentDowns #NationalNatureReserve @kentwalkinggroup @northdownswaynt

Walk through thousands of years of history this May 🌿

As part of the North Kent Woods and Downs NNR's one-year anniversary, our North Downs Way and Geopark ambassador is leading a special two-day journey along the Neolithic Trail, exploring the Medway Megaliths and the stories shaped by this landscape over time.

Follow sections of the North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way, visit sites like Kits Coty and Coldrum Long Barrow, and take in sweeping views across the Kent Downs. As the day ends, gather around the fire, enjoy a hearty meal, and settle into the stillness of the landscape.

📆 24-25 May 2026
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Aylesford
🎟️ Booking required

Explore one-year anniversary events (Link in bio)!

#NorthKentNNR #KingsNNRs #NatureNearYou #KentDowns #NationalNatureReserve @kentwalkinggroup @northdownswaynt

We’re excited to launch our North Downs Way Rail Trails – ten carefully curated walking routes that start and finish at railway stations, making it easier than ever to explore the Kent Downs sustainably.

Just in time for National Walking Month, these new trails are the perfect excuse to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and celebrate walking throughout May. Whether you’re fitting in a gentle countryside stroll or planning a longer adventure, there’s a rail trail to suit every pace.

From short circular walks to longer linear routes, these routes take in historic villages, breathtaking views, wildlife‑rich landscapes and iconic landmarks – all without the car.

Perfect for spring and summer exploring, why not discover somewhere new and start ticking them off?

Read the full blog and plan your next adventure ➡️www.kentdowns.org.uk/blog/2026/03/north-downs-way-rail-trails/

#NorthDownsWay #RailTrails #NationalWalkingMonth2026 #SustainableTravel #KentDowns #LeaveTheCarAtHome #GreatBritishWalks #ExploreByTrain @explore_kent

Delightful day after the rolling fog had cleared at Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror to meet up with fellow national trail ramblers for a picnic and a photo shoot.The May sun soon burnt away the fog and its micro climate, which is a regular visitor to the clifftops around Capel Le Ferne, and blue skies changed the atmosphere of the landscape.

Such spectacular views across the ever changing Channel.Haze and colours ranging from yellows, blues, greys and purples.We saw France and Dungeness Power Station like a mirage rising above the mist on the sea.

We watched a steam train roll along the train tracks at the Warren below.

May flies, the sound of sky larks, meadow flowers, and occasional birds popping up from the Samphire Hoe Nature Reserve below.

We heard Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcaps along with the usual songbirds. We saw rabbits hopping and Skylarks trying to distract us from seeing their ground nesting spots.

We don’t usually visit on a weekend, and there were literally hundreds of hikers navigating along the @northdownswaynt which appeared that most groups were doing the rail trail between Folkestone and Dover.

We are looking forward to our next Wild with Wheels♿️ scoot here on Saturday 27th June with the Putting Down Routes Team, showcasing the new accessible path in front of the Sound Mirror.It proved to be very popular today, with many hikers, cyclists and wheelers using it.

#accessiblenaturewalk
#Soundmirror
#rollingfog