A Way With Words: Bearsted, Detling and Thurnham Castle Circular Walk | Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026

I invite you to join me on the last of 4 themed guided walks celebrating the landscape, and the pilgrims who have walked the ancient chalky pathways of the Kent Downs, in our own words. We will explore, share stories and memories and learn about the history and geology of the beautiful Kent Downs, and the exciting possibilities of becoming a UNESCO GeoPark in 2026.

“A way with words, but just how do you describe such embellished splendour,

Or away with words, and just sit and contemplate in silent, sweet surrender.”

This walk will start and finish at Bearsted Railway Station.

Although each walk will have an element of creative writing, story-telling and poetry, as part of the walk, as one of the of lines from the poem “A Way With Words” above states, no words are necessary, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy being in some beautiful areas of nature and sharing with others.

If you have a story or memory to share, of a time you spent on the Kent Downs, and would like to share this on this walk, then please contact me, so this can be arranged.

This leisurely but challenging scenic walk with sections of steps, but with plenty of rests along the route, will depart from Bearsted Station and via mainly uphill gradient walk to Detling, through open countryside and woodlands before, visiting the ruins of the historical Thurnham Castle, where we will stop for refreshments, carry out a mindful activity, while admiring the amazing views that await. We will return via a stretch of the North Downs Way, before dropping down and returning to Bearsted via Thurham village.

For more details of the A Way With Words project, please visit my website www.walkwild.net, I look forward to walking with you.

Walk Details:

Walk Leader: Michael Harden

Distance: 5 miles

Duration: 4 hours

Walk Grade: 4

Walk Type: Circular

Accessibility Grade: A2

Age Suitability: All ages: All children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.

You will need: Packed lunch, and drinks. Suitable footwear for farmland and steps. This is an area known for raptors flying overhead, binoculars might be something to consider

Toilet Facilities: No

Rest Stops: Yes

Are there stiles on route? Yes

This walk is not suitable for pushchairs or mobility scooters

This is a dog friendly walk (please keep your dog on a lead)

Parking: At Bearsted Station or around Bearsted village green