Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 19 June 2021
Lace up your walking boots and running shoes, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is back, and COVID-secure, on Saturday 19 June 2021!
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge this year. You were fantastic! Not only did you conquer the challenging Kent countryside but raised more than £125,000 for hospice care! Enjoy memories of the day with the photos which are now available to view on our Facebook gallery!
Hundreds of walkers will enjoy the rural beauty of one of England’s oldest and least-trodden national trails. Starting from the picturesque village of Wye, nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, follow the Pilgrims Way, through the scenic Stour Valley, to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. Along the way you’ll pass through ancient woodland, rolling fields and charming villages, as well as a few challenging climbs through the undulating geography of the Garden of England.
Photos from the award-winning Pilgrims Way Challenge 2019 can be viewed in our Facebook gallery here.
Please note: Images were taken at pre-COVID-19 events
Click here to read the Pilgrims Way Challenge Participant Information Sheet
Entry
You must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the Pilgrims Way Challenge and walkers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
- THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
To ensure a safe and COVID-secure event, there is a maximum of 800 participants able to take part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021, which includes those who deferred their place from the 2020 edition. Entries will be fully closed once capacity has been reached.
COVID-secure event information
After a hiatus in 2020 due to the global pandemic, we have introduced some significant revisions to the 2021 Pilgrims Way Challenge to ensure that the event is COVID-secure. Some key measures include:
- Fully open-air event (face coverings to be worn upon entry to each rest stop and event venue)
- Fully touch-free, electronic check-in process
- Specified check-in windows and start times to maintain social distancing at the start venue
- One-way systems at refreshment stops and socially-distant toilet facilities with hand sanitiser and face covering usage
- A maximum of 800 participants will be able to take part in the 2021 event
The routes
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels.
Stroll through a charming village of oast houses and period cottages, and soak in an immense sky while surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings and ancient woodland all await you. Walking, or running, the Pilgrims Way between Wye and Dover really has it all.
Wye – Canterbury: 25km (sign in between 8.30am-9.30am) – View map
From the picturesque village of Wye near Ashford, pass through rolling farmland before climbing up onto the Soakham Downs. From here, the next few miles are dominated by King’s Wood, where pilgrims banded together as protection against robbers. Then a long gradual descent takes you past ancient, timber-framed houses into the pretty hilltop village of Chilham. A short climb to the intriguingly named Old Wives Lees is followed by pushing through extensive orchards and a nature reserve before enjoying views of Canterbury’s magnificent Cathedral and reaching the finish line.
Canterbury – Dover: 35km (sign in between 11am-12pm) – View map
The route leads through the historic heart of Canterbury and out into vast fields, passing the farming villages of Hode, Patrixbourne and Womenswold, with a view of the magnificent Georgian mansion at Higham Park before a steady ascent towards Shepherdswell. Soon after, you pass the grand Waldershare House and its impressive mews before following the path of an old Roman road that ran between Richborough and Dover. Finally, descend towards Dover as you catch your first glimpse of the sea before reaching the finish line inside the impressive inner bailey of Dover Castle.
Wye – Canterbury – Dover: 55km (sign in between 7.30am-8.30am) – View map
Take on the ultimate test of endurance and enjoy both sections of the Pilgrims Way described above in one day! After leaving Wye village in the morning and experiencing all the natural beauty east Kent has to offer through the day, arriving at Dover Castle, your final destination, will be a welcome sight.
*New for 2021* Those looking to take this challenge to the next level can now test the limits of their endurance by running or jogging the course as a trail run.
What’s on offer?
This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks, a fully signed route, training app, event t-shirt and a hot meal at our Canterbury hospice (the halfway point for 55km hikers) and at the Dover Castle finish.
It’s tough but achievable; with some training and determination anyone can conquer the Pilgrims Way Challenge. Take on the hike with family, friends or colleagues, and make more friends (socially distanced) along the way! When the welcome sight of the finish line comes into view, you’ll be rewarded with a finisher’s medal and a huge sense of achievement.
Transport links
We recommend that you’re dropped off or met by family or friends who can take you home after such a tiring challenge. However, if you’re relying on public transport to get to and/or from the event, these transport links may be useful:
- Wye: Serviced by trains running approx. every 30 minutes from the directions of Ashford and Canterbury; the station is a 2 minute walk from the start venue at Wye Village Hall
- Canterbury: Trains run from Canterbury West Station back to Wye departing every 30 minutes
- Dover: Trains run from Dover Priory Station back to Wye (via Ashford) departing every hour; the last train of the night is 23:56.
Remember to follow guidance on the use of face coverings at all times while on public transport.
Download the award-winning Pilgrims Event App for free
We’re proud to offer the Pilgrims Event App, available for iOS and Android devices. It’s free to download from the App Store and Google Play and is the perfect companion to enhance your Pilgrims event experience. Keep your training on track by recording your training activities and liking and commenting on your teammates. Receive up to date event information, view detailed route maps, earn in-app achievements and link your JustGiving page to see how your fundraising is going, all in one place.
Kit list and essential items
We’ve put together a full list of recommended equipment to make your hike a comfortable and safe experience. From clothing and footwear, to some items that are essential, particularly for 35km and 55km walkers.
View the Pilgrims Way Challenge Equipment List
Get hiking fit with our training plans
We’ve put together 6/7 week training plans for each challenge distance to help get you hiking fit. The more you prepare yourself ahead of your challenge, the more you’ll enjoy the experience on the big day. Check out the Pilgrims Way Challenge training plans here.
Resources
Address information
Venue:
Wye Village Hall
Bridge Street
City: Wye
Postcode: TN25 5EA
Contact information
Email: robert.grew@pilgrimshospices.org
Contact name: Robert Grew
Phone: 07110 854029
