Reset Walk: Spring Edition - Canterbury & Chartham 12km

This energising 12km North Downs Way networking walk aims to bring together like-minded business owners to shake off winter and welcome in Spring.

Science proves it: walking in nature helps us think more clearly, sparks creativity, and allows us to process ideas more deeply.

Take it as a chance to reset, step away from screens, move your body, and connect with other business owners outdoors.

Starting at Canterbury West Station, where you can grab a coffee, we’ll follow the North Downs Way National Trail out of the city and head into the beautiful woodland of Bigbury. With stops along the way, we'll head through Chartham Hatch and Chartham, with our last part following the rare chalk stream river that is the Stour. We'll end the walk at Canterbury West.

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

Practical information

🎟 Tickets & value

Tickets are £12 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 3.5 - 4 hour walk led by a trained North Downs Way Ambassador
• A chance to step away from screens, move your body, and connect with other business owners outdoors
• A curated experience through one of Kent’s most beautiful landscapes
• Local, historical and nature insights shared along the route
• A small-group experience (8 guests max)

📍Route overview

• Distance: 12 km approx
• Duration: 9 AM – 1.30PM, with two breaks (including a lunch stop)
• Route type: Circular
• Start: Canterbury West Station entrance (parking and toilets available)
• Finish: Canterbury West Station entrance
• Terrain: Footpaths with some inclines, uneven ground and possible mud
• Highlights: Bigbury Woods, Chartham, Westgate Gardens and the River Stour

🧭 Meeting point

• Arrive from 8:50AM
• Depart promptly at 9 AM
• Meeting point: Canterbury West Train Station main entrance
• What3Words: ///refers.sailor.behind

Joining instructions emailed beforehand.

👤 Who can attend?

• Business owners, freelancers, self-employed folk aged 18+
• 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

• Canterbury West Station is at the start and finish point
• Trains from London St Pancras, London Victoria, London Charing Cross and Ashford International

🅿️ Parking

• Paid parking at Canterbury West Station car park
• Additional parking available in Canterbury

🚽 Toilets

• Toilets are available at the start and finish point
• Public toilets around half way at Chartham- plus plenty of spots for nature wees!

☕ Refreshments

We finish in Canterbury, where you can choose to stay for a coffee or lunch in one of the many cafes.

Please bring:

• Water, snacks, a flask of something hot to drink if you wish
• Lunch

🎒 What to bring

• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket
• Sturdy footwear with good grip (in case of mud/ice!)
• 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 seasonal conditions: chilly but sunny, possible mud, cold and rain
• 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.

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Reset Walk: Summer edition

June - date 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.