Betwixtmas Walk: North Downs Way - Chilham & King's Wood 7km circular

You know that funny little in-between bit after Christmas but before New Year’s Day?

The one where time goes a bit soft around the edges, and you’re not quite sure what day it is? That’s Betwixtmas (yes, it’s a real word blending “betwixt” and “Christmas”), and it’s the perfect excuse for a gentle reset outdoors.

Shake off the Christmas cobwebs and get some fresh air on this peaceful 7km winter walk from historic Chilham, into King's Wood and along part of the picturesque North Downs Way.

Complete with a visit to the Coppice Oratory and wintry views over Godmersham Park, we'll loop back into the heart of the village and finish at Chilhams’s medieval square.

Afterwards, you’re free to cosy up in one of the lovely local pubs for lunch and wrap up after a refreshing morning outside.

This is a small group walk (8 people max), made for easy conversation and quiet connection.

Practical information

🎟 Tickets & value

Tickets are £8 per person, with all proceeds donated to the Kent Downs Trust Charity to support conservation across the North Downs Way National Trail.

Your ticket includes:

• A guided 2.5 hour walk led by a trained North Downs Way Ambassador
• A small-group experience (8 guests max)
• Local, historical and nature insights shared along the route
• A calming Betwixtmas reset with space for gentle connection
• A curated experience through one of Kent’s most beautiful winter landscapes

📍Route overview

• Distance: 7 km approx
• Duration: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Route type: Circular
• Start: Chilham Car Park, TN25 4BN (public toilets available)
• Finish: Chilham Square
• Terrain: Footpaths with gentle inclines, uneven ground and winter mud
• Highlights: King's Wood, Coppice Oratory, views over Canterbury and Godmersham Park, Chilham Park Estate, and the North Downs Way

🧭 Meeting point

• Arrive from 9:50AM
• Depart promptly at 10:00 AM
• Meeting point: Chilham Car Park
• What3Words: ///helpfully.blanking.cubed

Joining instructions emailed beforehand.

👤 Who can attend?

• Adults and young people 12+
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
• Moderate mobility required
• The route includes: uneven surfaces,gentle inclines, muddy paths, gates or stiles, road crossings

If you have mobility questions or hidden conditions, feel free to message beforehand.

♿ Accessibility

This route is not suitable for:

• wheelchairs
• mobility scooters
• walking frames
• buggies

🧡 Inclusion & additional needs

I aim to create a welcoming space. Please let me know if you need:

• breaks for prayer
• additional rest stops
• adjustments for energy levels
• awareness of any health needs (e.g. anxiety, asthma, diabetes)

People of all faiths are welcome to pause for prayer on the route.

🐕‍🦺 Dogs

• Friendly dogs welcome on leads
• Be mindful of livestock
• Please bring bags and water for your dog

🚂 Public transport

• Chilham Station: 10-15 min walk
• Direct trains from Canterbury, Ashford International and London

🅿️ Parking

• Free parking at Chilham Free Car Park
• Additional limited village parking

🚽 Toilets

• Public toilets are available at Chilham Free Car Park
• No toilets on the route - nature wees only!
• Pub toilets available for customers at the end

☕ Refreshments

We finish in Chilham Square, where you can choose to stay for lunch in one of the cosy pubs.

Please bring:

• Water
• Optional: Snacks and a flask of a hot drink

🎒 What to bring

• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket
• Sturdy footwear with good grip (muddy!)
• Hat + gloves
• Water
• Any personal medication

Optional:

• Walking poles
• Small sit-mat or blanket

I will carry a first aid kit, map and emergency items.

🌦 Weather

• Expect winter conditions: mud, cold, rain or ice
• Please dress appropriately

The walk will only be cancelled if weather conditions pose a threat to life.

⚠️ Safety

• Full risk assessment completed
• Good mobile signal in most areas
• Emergency procedures in place
• You join at your own risk; please ensure the distance and terrain feel comfortable

🛡 Insurance

This event is covered by Kent Downs National Landscape third-party civil liability insurance for trained North Downs Way Ambassadors. This is not personal accident or medical insurance.

You may also like…

If you enjoy this Betwixtmas Walk, you may also like my Reset Walks - informal walks for business owners who are craving the chance to get outdoors, connect and have space to think.

Reset Walk: New Year Edition

Friday 16 January • Wye to Chilham

A linear 11.5km informal networking walk to refresh and reset your thinking.

Book here

Reset Walk: Spring Edition

Friday 20 March • Canterbury andChartham

An energising 12km informal networking walk to welcome in the new season and shake off winter.

Eventbrite link: TBC

🌿 About Maria and Roots & Ways

Maria Soleil is a marketing consultant and founder of Soleil Marketing, a B Corp certified consultancy that helps purpose-driven businesses grow sustainably. After 13 years away, Maria recently moved back to the Canterbury area, where she originally studied at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Alongside her consultancy work, Maria is passionate about the power of the outdoors to restore mental health. This passion led her to train as a North Downs Way Ambassador, becoming qualified in November 2025.

Through Roots & Ways she aims to bring people together on gentle, seasonal walks along and around the North Downs Way to encourage connection, reflection and restore mental health.