Pilgrims Way Challenge
Take on 55km, 35km or 25km in support of local hospice care
Our award-winning Pilgrims Way Challenge(opens in new tab) is a great way to spend time outdoors. Lace up your walking boots, or running shoes, and enjoy the rural beauty of one of England's oldest and least-trodden national trails. Starting from the coastal town of Dover, beneath the imposing walls of Dover Castle at Connaught Park, follow the North Downs Way through rolling fields and charming villages to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. Then, onward via the Pilgrims Way and scenic Stour Valley to finish in the picturesque village of Wye, nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient woodland, orchards, and fields, as well as a few challenging climbs encompassing the undulating geography of the Garden of England.
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels. Whether you hike 25km(opens in new tab), 35km(opens in new tab), or 55km(opens in new tab), you'll stroll through charming villages of oast houses and period cottages, whilst being surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings, and ancient woodlands all await you. The Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really does have it all!
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is more than just a rewarding day out, as the money you raise helps support Pilgrims to provide compassionate end of life care. This year, participants helped raise over £156,940 for local hospice care - that's enough to cover the full cost of our three community care teams for over a month!
Every step you take helps to make a real difference, are you ready to put your best foot forward for Pilgrims?
The routes
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of varying fitness levels.
Canterbury - Wye: 25km (15.5 miles) - View map(opens in new tab)
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) - View map(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
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) - View map(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
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
- Recovery vehicles
- Finisher medal
Entry also includes a hot meal 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, anyone can conquer the Pilgrims Way Challenge! Take on the hike with family, friends or colleagues, and make more friends along the way. As you approach the welcome sight of the finish line, you’ll be rewarded with your finisher’s medal, a special memento of your incredible achievement.
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Sponsorship Information
We need every Pilgrims Way Challenger to show their support by pledging to raise as much sponsorship as you can through your 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 continue to provide 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 in Wye and the last train of the night is 10:56pm toward Canterbury, and 11:20pm toward Dover (via Ashford).
Download the award-winning Pilgrims Event App for free
We're proud to have our very own 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 yourself on track by recording your training, and connect with your teammates by liking and commenting on their activity. Get up-to-date event information, view detailed route maps, earn in-app achievements and link your JustGiving page, all in one place.
Thank you so much for your support
Every generous donation from our amazing community of supporters helps to make sure we can be there for the next family who needs us.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a life limiting illness, find out about the full range of services Pilgrims can offer.