Maidstone laces up its boots for The Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026
Will you be taking part?
Organised by the Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Marketing & Events Team and taking place over 10 days from Friday 20 to Sunday 29 March 2026, the Festival offers a diverse programme of guided walks designed to celebrate community, wellbeing, and the natural beauty right on our doorstep.
Booking tickets for the Heart of Kent Walking Festival, as well as all the information for the individual routes, can be found on the Festival’s portal on the Visit Maidstone website.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone. Expect routes that explore the rolling Kent North Downs, ancient woodland trails, and scenic village loops steeped in local history.
Knowledgeable walk leaders will guide each group, sharing stories about the area’s wildlife, historic buildings, and long-established footpaths.
New for 2026, the Festival introduces exciting walks across more Kent locations, providing opportunities to discover places you may never have explored before, including a fresh perspective of Maidstone Town Centre, and the chance to see the happy hedgehogs at Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve.
For those looking to boost their fitness, there will be longer-distance challenges and wellbeing-focused sessions, blending gentle walking with mindfulness practices.
The Festival is more than just a series of walks; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Participants can connect with local organisations, meet new people, support local initiatives, and rediscover why Maidstone is at the heart of the Garden of England.
The Heart of Kent Walking Festival could not come together without the wonderful walk leaders and partners including Maidstone Museum, Walk Wild, Boots on Adventure, MJ Outdoors, LDWA, Augustine Camino, Hike South East and Kent Community Rail Partnership.
