News Visit Maidstone launch Walking Festival

Visit Maidstone, the tourism team at Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has launched the Heart of Kent Walking Festival with hikers coming from far and wide to take part in the first walk.

The festival is being organised by a collaboration of partners from organisations around Maidstone and will take place from 30 September and will run until 2 October 2022, the walk marked the start of the first event of its kind in the borough of Maidstone.

Laura Dickson, Visitor Economy and Events Development Manager at Maidstone Borough Council said:

“We are thrilled this first walk has taken place and can’t wait to start encouraging people along to the many routes the Walking Festival will have to offer. We look forward to welcoming people from all around the UK, it should give our many pubs, hotels and hospitality venues a real boost.

“The first walk was a taster of what people can expect, the full festival will include long distance walks, history walks and a wide range of walks across the borough. Not only is walking one of the best exercises, it is also great for your wellbeing.”

The walk started in Charing and finished in Lenham and was led by Therese Hammond, from Kent Community Rail Partnership with help from MBC. Many of the walkers stayed, visiting the shops, cafes and pubs at the end of the walk, allowing people to enjoy the area and providing additional spend to local businesses.

MBC is also interested to hear from experienced walk leaders and businesses who might like to get involved. For more information please contact: info@heartofkentwalkingfestival.org

The festival is a collaboration of organisations, led by Visit Maidstone from Maidstone Borough Council and include: Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, Explore Kent, Long Distance Walks Association, Kent Community Rail Partnership, SusTrans, Augustine Camino and others.

The website is now live: www.heartofkentwalkingfestival.org. The programme and booking will be available from mid-May.

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