Kents Hidden Trails, Downs, Valleys and Villages

Our speciality is offering guided walking holidays for solos and singles in magnificent locations across the UK and Europe. Unlike many other walking companies which offer solos holidays as an extra, we are unique in that we only deal in solos guided walking.  We also design bespoke holidays for special groups.

We stay in Maidstone at the ORIDA Hotels Maidstone 

See https://oridahotels.com/

Ensuite sole occupancy rooms.

With 146 spacious bedrooms, we will enjoy every comfort ORIDA has to offer. Such as our quality restaurant, lounge bar, Starbucks cafe and ORIDA Health featuring an indoor pool, whirlpool, spa and gym. 

We start walking at 2.30pm on the first day – a leg stretcher of about 4 miles/ Chance to get to know your fellow guests and your leader.

We then walk for four more days – finishing at about 3,30pm on Thursday.

The walks will be led by local guide Jenn Phillips who has a broad knowledge of the area we are walking.

She runs he own company MJ  Outdoor Adventures locally

Sample Walks

We publish a selection of walks – these are not exhaustive and we may add others as the need arises.

Knole Park to Ightham Mote- 9 miles
One of the most beautiful walks in Kent – following part of the Greensand Way through the historic deer park at Knole, home to free roaming herds of deer, before continuing to the magnificent moated manor house of Ightham Mote, one of England’s finest surviving medieval houses. The day’s highlights include the outstanding Knole House – one of England’s great calendar houses – and panoramic views across the Weald of Kent, with time to stop for lunch before returning through peaceful countryside.

Detling to Lenham – 10 miles
A classic North Downs Way walk with sweeping views across Kent’s rolling chalk hills and countryside. Passing the iconic White Horse Stone and the famous Lenham Chalk Cross, the route includes a lunch stop at the charming Signal Box Café before finishing in the picturesque medieval village of Lenham, with its handsome timber framed buildings, historic square and welcoming village atmosphere.

Tonbridge to Teston – 11 miles (weather dependent)
A gentle riverside walk along the Medway Valley Walk, beginning beneath the impressive 13th century Tonbridge Castle and following peaceful stretches of the River Medway. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, egrets, deer and colourful dragonflies as the route meanders through orchards, historic bridges and tranquil riverside landscapes.

The Linton Circular – 8 miles
A varied countryside walk combining quiet footpaths with part of the Greensand Way. A special highlight is a visit to Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, where there is the opportunity to meet and feed rescued goats over lunch, before continuing through traditional orchards, peaceful woodland and attractive Kent countryside.

Shepherdswell to Canterbury – North Downs Way
Follow part of the ancient Pilgrims’ Way into the historic city of Canterbury, passing picturesque villages and centuries old churches along the route. The walk concludes at the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, founded over 1,400 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the Mother Church of the Church of England and the site of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in 1170, it has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. A special pilgrims’ welcome will be awaiting you, with the option of a blessing or an introduction to the Cathedral’s remarkable history.

Grades and Difficulty

All walks are on good , well walked paths. Kent countryside is undulating and we do ascend and descend but at a sensible pace- but height gained is not more than 100 metres in one ascent.

Kents rolling countryside lends itself to a moderate grade, and in some parts easy walking along rivers and across downs where opportunities for outstanding scenery and views abound.

Discover the Kent Downs National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretching from the white cliffs of  Dover to the Surrey and London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round.

Villages in the Kent Downs have been shaped by the same chalk, clay, and woodland that define this protected landscape. Built with local flint and brick along ancient trackways and river crossings, they reflect centuries of settlement shaped by the land itself. 

Communities established themselves where water, fertile soils, and sheltered slopes made life possible. Pilgrims passed through, farmers worked the fields, and markets and inns supported trade along historic routes such as the Pilgrims’ Way.