Explore Kent: A Year of Connection, Adventure & Growth

2025 has been a landmark year for Explore Kent – a year of partnerships, projects, and people coming together to walk, cycle, and connect with nature across our beautiful county.

Our Growing Community

Our online community has continued to thrive, with more people discovering Kent’s landscapes through our digital platforms:

• Facebook reached 12,000 followers, with posts reaching over 1.1 million views.
• Instagram grew to 7,400 followers, achieving more than 108,500 views.
• Our website welcomed 112,000 users, exploring routes, guides and events.

Scroll to the end of this post to see our Top 10 Most Viewed Routes of 2025.

New Walking Guides Launched in 2025

We added exciting new routes to our collection, including:

We have also broadened our Active Travel Map range, helping even more people choose walking or cycling for everyday journeys:

Health and Nature Network

2025 marked significant steps forward in connecting nature and wellbeing:

• Funding secured for a two-year Health and Nature Officer role starting January 2026.
• Launch of the Health and Nature Fund, offering grants of £2,000–£10,000 for projects that boost mental health through nature.
• Upcoming Level 3 Certificate in Nature-based Practice, training practitioners to deliver safe, inclusive programmes across Kent.

Connecting Gravesham to the Coast

We began the year with a Southeastern-funded project designed to help Gravesham residents access their local stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Highlights included:

• Eye-catching maps guiding rail passengers from Gravesend and Northfleet stations straight to the coast path.
• A vibrant programme of events, from weekly park fitness and mindful birdwatching walks to women’s wellness walks, family outings, and even English class walks.

We were proud to showcase this work at the Active Kent & Medway Conference, alongside partners from The Grand Healthy Living Centre.

Inspiring Young Explorers

At Kings Hill Valley Invicta School, we’ve been working with children with autism to co-design a sensory trail map for their local school community. Earlier this year we held a workshop in the school so students could share their ideas and draw pictures to include on the map. The map is now in the design stage and we look forward to launching it in the new year – with students leading their families on the completed route.

Junior Cycle Challenge

Many children pedaled their way to success with the Junior Cycle Challenge, earning certificates for:

🥉 Bronze – 5 km
🥈 Silver – 8 km
🥇 Gold – 10 km

We made sure every child could shine, adapting the challenge for young explorers with additional needs or disabilities.

Inspiring Active Travel Stories

We shared real journeys that show how walking, cycling, and public transport can transform lives:

England Coast Path Challenge

This summer, residents logged their walks and rides along the King Charles III England Coast Path for a chance to win prizes. Collectively we walked 2,256km which is the equivalent of 4.5 times around the South East section. It was great to see so many people enjoying our spectacular coastline.

Medway Green Spaces Photography Competition

In October, we partnered with Explore Medway for a photography competition celebrating Medway’s beautiful green spaces. Entries showcased Riverside Country Park, Capstone, St Mary’s Island and many more – winners to be announced soon!

Improving Accessibility Along the Coast Path

We’ve been working hard with the King Charles III England Coast Path to make the coast path more inclusive:

• Creating new accessible walks at Whitstable to Herne Bay, Hythe Circular Walk, and Folkestone Circular Walk.
• Accessibility audits completed for Hythe to Folkestone, Ramsgate Town Walk, and Minnis Bay to Reculver.
• Presented-led videos will highlight surfaces, gates, parking, and facilities to help everyone plan their walk with confidence.

A huge thank you to Wild With Wheels for testing these routes with us. Walks, audits and videos will be available on our website shortly.

Looking Ahead to 2026

From new maps and guides to community events and health initiatives, 2025 has been a year full of achievements – all made possible by the incredible support of our partners, volunteers and residents.

Together, we’re making Kent a place where walking, cycling, and nature are part of everyday life. Here’s to more adventures in 2026!