Pilgrims Way Challenge
Saturday 9 June 2018
Lace up your walking boots for our brand new Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 9 June 2018.
Introducing the Pilgrims Way Challenge, our new hiking event!
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 to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury and onward via the North Downs Way to a coastal finish beside the impressive Dover Castle. 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.
Event information
Pre-registration for the Pilgrims Way Challenge has now closed. However, you can still enter on the day for £40. On the day entries will close at 08:30 for the 50km and at 9:15 for the 25km route..
Click to download the full event information sheet for Pilgrims Way Challenge
- Early Bird entry (closes 29/4/18): £25
- Standard entry (closes 3/6/18): £30
- On the day: £40.
The routes
With two 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 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.
- Wye – Canterbury – Dover: 50km (sign in between 7.30am-8.30am) – View map
After completing the section above, the route leads out of Canterbury through 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 Shephardswell. 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 in view of the impressive Dover Castle.
What’s on offer?
This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks, a fully signed route, event t-shirt and a hot meal at our Canterbury hospice (the halfway point for 50km hikers).
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 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.
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: 01227 812 609
