Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025
Saturday 21 June 2025
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is returning on Saturday 21 June 2025!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? The Pilgrims Way Challenge invites hikers and runners of all abilities to lace up their boots or running shoes and experience the stunning rural beauty of one of England’s most historic national trails. For 2025, we’re keeping things fresh and sticking to the reversed route! Giving you the chance to further explore new vantage points and viewpoints that the reversed Pilgrims Way Challenge has to offer.
Starting beneath the iconic walls of Dover Castle in Connaught Park, this unique challenge follows the North Downs Way through idyllic rolling fields, ancient woodlands, and quaint villages, leading to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. But it doesn’t stop there! Continue along the picturesque Pilgrims Way and the serene Stour Valley to the charming village of Wye, nestled in the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The routes
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of varying fitness levels.
Hike 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 Dover and Wye really has it all.
Canterbury – Wye: 25km (15.5 miles) – sign in between 10am-11am – View map
From the historic city of Canterbury, your trail leads west through a nature reserve, and extensive orchards towards the rather intriguingly named Old Wives Lees. Then, descend to cross the valley to the pretty hilltop village of Chilham, with its ancient, timber-framed houses. From here, the next few miles are dominated by King’s Wood, where pilgrims banded together as protection against robbers. Finally, you’ll descend into rolling farmland, leading to the finish in the picturesque village of Wye. Total elevation gain: 320m
Dover – Canterbury: 35km – (21.7 miles) – sign in between 8.30am- 9.30am – View map
Beginning in Connaught Park, set beneath the imposing walls of Dover Castle, your path will follow an old Roman road that ran between Dover and Richborough, before passing the grand Waldershare House and its impressive mews. The route then leads through rolling fields to Womenswold, before passing the farming villages of Patrixbourne and Hode. Finally, you’ll catch a glimpse of Canterbury’s magnificent cathedral as you push on into the city’s cobbled streets towards the finish line. Total elevation gain: 290m
Dover – Canterbury – Wye: 55km – (34 miles) – 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 Dover in the morning and experiencing all the natural beauty east Kent has to offer throughout the day, arriving at the charming village of Wye, your final destination, will be a welcome sight. Total elevation gain: 569m
What’s on offer?
This fully supported event includes:
- Posted pre-event pack
- Event technical T-shirt
- Regular rest stops with drinks and snacks
- Fully signed route
- Free event app with live position tracking
- Event medical support
- Finisher medal
Entry also includes food at the Canterbury hospice (for 35km and 55km hikers) and at the Wye finish (for 25 and 55km hikers).
It’s tough but achievable; with some training and determination we know that you can conquer the Pilgrims Way Challenge! Take on the hike with family, friends or colleagues, and make more friends 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.
Entry
A maximum of 800 participants can take part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025. If capacity is reached before the event, on the day entry will not be available.
Early Bird Entry: closes 31 March 2025
- 25km – £45
- 35km – £50
- 55km – £55
Standard Entry: closes 02 June 2025 (entry will close as soon as capacity is reached).
- 25km – £50
- 35km – £55
- 55km – £60
On the Day Entry: (On The Day Entry is subject to Event capacity, so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment).
- 25km – £55
- 35km – £60
- 55km – £65
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.
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 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.
Sponsorship Information
We need every Pilgrims Way Hiker to show their support by pledging to raise as much sponsorship as they can through their challenge. If every person could raise just £125 in sponsorship, together we could raise £100,000 for hospice care.
Every mile you hike and every pound you raise will help Pilgrims Hospices continue to provide our expert and compassionate care to patients and their families. By taking part, you’re directly supporting local people in our community when they need it most.
Open your JustGiving page today and do something amazing for Pilgrims!
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:
- Dover: Serviced by trains running approx. every 30 minutes into Dover Priory Station from the directions of both Ashford and Canterbury. The start venue is 20-minute walk from the station.
- Canterbury: Serviced by trains running approx. every 30 minutes into Canterbury West Station from the directions of Ashford, and Thanet. The start venue is 15-minute walk from the station. Trains run from Canterbury East Station back to Dover departing every 30 minutes
- Wye: Serviced by trains running approx. every hour in the directions of Canterbury and Dover (via Ashford); the station is a 2-minute walk from the finish venue at Wye Village Hall and the last train of the night is 10:56pm toward Canterbury, and 11:20pm toward Dover (via Ashford).
Resources
Address information
Venue:
Connaught Park,
Connaught Street,
City: Dover,
Postcode: Ct16 1HB
Contact information
Email: [email protected]
Contact name: The Events Team
Phone: 01227 812609
