The Path to Canterbury 2012

The North Downs have acted as a highway since before Neolithic times, but became busier following the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. By the eighteenth century, the term 'Pilgrim's Way' referred to ancient trackways in the south of England used by pilgrims in the 'Canterbury Tales' but were prehistoric tracks used by pilgrims travelling to or from the continent via Dover along the Via Francigena.

The principal pilgrim route ran between Winchester and Canterbury, much of which is now  busy with traffic and therefore is no longer a viable walking route. Nonetheless, our route, a section of the North Downs Way, does coincide with some of the places that Chaucer's pilgrims visited and parts of the pilgrim way marked on maps. Overall, this is a gentle walk, with beautiful views below you across the 'Garden of England', as well as a historic route leading to England's most eminent cathedral city.

PRICE

INCLUDED

EXTRA NIGHTS

NOT INCLUDED

Departure dates

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Day 1: Arrive and overnight in Rochester. This historic town has a magnificent cathedral (the second oldest in England) and a well-preserved Norman castle, as well as many associations with Charles Dickens. Undoubtedtly, Chaucer's pilgrims would have come through Rochester, close to which the North Downs Way passes today. 

Day 2: Rochester to Hollingbourne. Cross Wouldham Common, pass Kit's Coty Neolithic burial chamber and the White horse standing stone along paths and fields to Boxley Church. East of Kits Coty, a long stretch with distant views delivers the North Downs Way to Detling Hill, beyond which a sudden return to open country shows the vast expanse of the eastern Weald spread below. The trail tucks round the outline of Thurnham Castle, sloping down to rejoin Pilgrim's Way at Hollingbourne. 15 miles/25 kms.

Day 3: Hollingbourne to Boughton Lees. Hollingbourne to Boughton Lees follows a gentle route for many miles above Harrietsham and Lenham, passing close to Charing - a village well worth making a short diversion to visit. Finally, a long stretch of the original Pilgrim Way before overnight at Boughton Lees. 12 miles/19 kms.

Day 4: Boughton Lees to Canterbury. The northern spur option from Boughton Lees visits Chilham, one of Kent's most attractive villages, then to Old Wives Lees, passing through acre after acre of orchard country on the way to Canterbury. Overnight Canterbury. 13 miles/21 kms.

Day 5: Departure.

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Historic Canterbury Cathedral, Rochester Castle and the countryside of the 'Garden of England.'

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of UK met office

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GETTING THERE

Nearest airports: London.
The walk begins in Rochester, which is on the main railway line from London.

WHAT TO TAKE
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

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