Pilgrims Way self guided walking tour, England
Highlights
Rochester | Pilgrims’ Way | North Downs | Leeds Castle | Godmersham Park | CanterburyDescription of Pilgrims Way self guided walking tour, England
Follow one of England’s most historic trails on this self-guided walking holiday along the Pilgrim’s Way. Stretching 45 miles between the historic cities of Rochester and Canterbury, this journey exploring Belloc’s ‘Old Road’ will take you through the beautiful scenery and ancient villages of the North Downs and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Starting in Rochester and finishing in medieval Canterbury, this 6-day self-guided walking holiday, including arrival and departure days, comprises 4 full days of walking and 5 night’s accommodation, in old inns, hotels and guest houses of historic character.
This is a walk packed full of history and the delights of some of the best local Kentish food along the trail. A journey along which you pass Neolithic long barrows, the ruins of Norman castles and even have time to stop at Leeds’s Castle – home to six Queens of England. On the last day the walk leaves the North Downs Way National Trail and explores Godmersham Park, where Jane Austen kept house for her brother Edward.
This trip is run by a family-run rural business and as such offers a truly personalised service. You see someone each morning to go over maps and make sure you get the most from your walk.
As you wind a way through some of the best countryside that Kent has to offer, the North Downs Way National Trail offers a great means of exploring Southern England and its rich history. The walk is supported by a small library of books about the trail which is transported between the accommodation where you stay each night. The walk is also covered by a book, entitled 'The Pilgrims’ Way – Fact and Fiction of an Ancient Trackway', published by the History Press.
This is the ideal holiday for those who wish to proceed at their own pace and start at a date and time of their own choice.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.
Since 2006 we have been awarded Silver accreditation under the Green Tourism Buisness Scheme (GTBS), as a tour operator promoting sustainable tourism in the South East of England. We are a family run operator based in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We are committed to operating a Responsible Travel Policy (RTP) that is supportive and in sympathy with the local communities and environment. This is in line with the stated aims of all our holidays which inviting customers to ‘discover hidden Kent, its history and its people’. In addition we are committed to an on-going reduction of its energy usage inline with the Annual Environmental Energy Plan (AEEP) for the business. We are committed to recycling, and using recycled products wherever this can be accommodated within the needs of the business and will continue to adhere to off-road 4x4 policy.
The Impacts of this Trip
We actively encourage all customers to use public transport to access the Kent Downs (AONB). We advise customers where they can purchase locally produced food and produce along the route of their walk and encourage them to use local services.
We also actively encourage customers to visit local social projects such as the Elham Valley Vineyards, run by the Vale of Elham Trust which provides work opportunities for people with learning disabilities. We have encouraged people to walk the North Downs Way for the benefit of nationally recognised charities. Since 2002 we have organised charity walks on behalf of the Children’s Society, John Grooms and Christian Aid. These charities have reported that they have raised £42,000 through walks led by us.
Since 2006 we have been awarded Silver accreditation under the Green Tourism Buisness Scheme (GTBS), as a tour operator promoting sustainable tourism in the South East of England. We are a family run operator based in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We are committed to operating a Responsible Travel Policy (RTP) that is supportive and in sympathy with the local communities and environment. This is in line with the stated aims of all our holidays which inviting customers to ‘discover hidden Kent, its history and its people’. In addition we are committed to an on-going reduction of its energy usage inline with the Annual Environmental Energy Plan (AEEP) for the business. We are committed to recycling, and using recycled products wherever this can be accommodated within the needs of the business and will continue to adhere to off-road 4x4 policy.
The Impacts of this Trip
We actively encourage all customers to use public transport to access the Kent Downs (AONB). We advise customers where they can purchase locally produced food and produce along the route of their walk and encourage them to use local services.
We also actively encourage customers to visit local social projects such as the Elham Valley Vineyards, run by the Vale of Elham Trust which provides work opportunities for people with learning disabilities. We have encouraged people to walk the North Downs Way for the benefit of nationally recognised charities. Since 2002 we have organised charity walks on behalf of the Children’s Society, John Grooms and Christian Aid. These charities have reported that they have raised £42,000 through walks led by us.
2 Reviews of Pilgrims Way self guided walking tour, England
Reviewed on 09 Oct 2013 by Isabel Clare
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were various exciting experiences: Kit's Coty and the view over the Medway, walking hollow ways, the former bishop's palace at Charing, sheep grazing under a laden apple tree, but probably reaching and visiting Canterbury Cathedral.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're a radio addict, check that there is one in each of the staying-over places or you'll need to take with you.
Be prepared to accept that the different places at which you stay are very different and that each will have things you'll like and things you dont.
It's an area where there are a lot of dog-walkers with their dogs off leads, so it helps if you like dogs and dont mind them being friendly to you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it benefited local people since I stayed in various places and ate local produce. Walking the path may help it remain clear and also remind a couple of farmers that there are rights of way on their land.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very very good. Derek was very knowledgeable and helpful. Lunches were delicious.
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2012 by Deborah Rice
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking through Godmersham Park in the footsteps of Jane Austin was the single most memorable aspect for one of our number. Another enjoyed the scenic vistas available every day due to the route of the North Downs Way.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long days of walking in all kinds of weather.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I wanted to add how enjoyable it was to meet Derek Bright and tapping in to his vast knowledge of the local history, culture, and geography. He was very accommodating about our particular food needs and very attentive to our needs in general. We had a great time.
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