Our
mission
Kent Search and Rescue (a charity ourselves) wanted to create an event for other Kent-based charities, to help as many people as many people possible in our local community. All funds raised from this events goes directly to local charities in Kent.
Following on from the huge success for 2024 we are very proud to launch the 2025 Kent Charity Trek!
Take on the challenge of walking either 25km or 50km along the North Downs Way in Kent. From Fort Amherst, your route will take you along the North Down’s Way where you will be able to take in the beautiful Garden of England. You will be supported on the day with regular marshal points and water, snack and first aid stations.
New for 2025 Due to popular demand we will be running an afternoon 25km trek from Whitehorse Country Park to Eastwell Manor! See below for more information
Date and time Saturday 17th May 2025
Entry Price £50 - with no minimum fundraising amount!
THe
EVENT
Choose your
charity
We are working with a number of local Charity partners for this event. For gold partners they will receive 90% of all donations with the remainder going to kent search and rescue ( a registered charity) who are running, and supporting this event. Silver partners will receive 80% of all donations, and bronze will receive 70% of all donations. Simply choose the charity you would like to support on the take part page
Sign up
& start raising
It costs just £50 to participate in either the 25k or 50k Kent Chariy Trek with upto 90% of the entry price going directly to your charity of choice.
Once you've decided who you would like to fund raise for you will able set up a fund rasing page through each charities dedicated portal which you can share with your family and friends.
Once you have paid your sign up fee there is no minimum fund raising requirement to partcipate but anything you do raise will be greatly appreciated by your choosen charity.
Prepare to
trek
Whether you are planning to walk it alone, with family, friends or work colleagues you can be guaranteed a challenge to push you.
You could be a trek novice or an old hand, we are certain that you will be given a warm welcome, on a truly Kentish event, meandering through the Garden of England.
Raising money for your chosen charity, and Kent Search and Rescue, who are running the event and providing marshals and support to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
You can find training support on our resources pages
The
Route
Weather you choose the 25k or 50k trek both gets you out walking in some of the finest landmarks and countryside the garden of England has to offer. From Fort Amherst, Britains biggest Napoleonic Fort, to the Norman Cathedral and Castle in Rochester, follow the winding River Medway on the Medway Valley Walk, you'll soon be at the top of the North Downs with spectacular views over the southern part of the county. Strolling down around Blue Bell Hill and the mystic Kit's Coty before taking in some specular scenery before dropping down to cross the A249 at historic Detling before a final incline up to the top of the White Horse Wood Country Park. This is the finish for the 1st 25k Trek, start point of the 2nd 25k Trek and half way point for the 50k.
After a short break you will show what you are made of as you take in the breath-taking views over the North Downs round the remains of Thurnham Castle, walking the same route as so many before you on the world-famous Pilgrim's Way. Descending down into the medieval village of Lenham for a final rest stop before climbing back up onto the Pilgrim's Way through to the lovely village of Charing. From there its a few short kilometres to the picturesque grounds of Eastwell Manor where you will cross the finish line and earn your finisher's medal.
from 6.00 am
PREPARATION
Arrive at Fort Amhurst Chatham, book in, take on some food and fluids and do some stretches to ensure you are ready for the off!
6.30 am - 9.30 am
START
The trek is not a race and therefore in order to avoid congestion we will be starting groups of walkers off in 5 minute intervals for this 3 hour period.
3.00 pm
FINISH
This is the cut-off time for those walking the 25km – This is when you can put your feet up knowing you have done an awesome job celebrating with a hard-earned medal and memories of a wonderful day raising much-needed funds for Kent charities.
from 12.00 pm
PREPARATION
Arrive at the White Horse Country Park, book in, take on some food and fluids and do some stretches to ensure you are ready for the off!
As you are likely to be walking into the evening you need to make sure you have a torch, battery power pack and enough food to seek you fuelled all day.
12.00 pm - 1.30 pm
START
The trek is not a race and therefore in order to avoid congestion we will be starting groups of walkers off in 5 minute intervals for this 3 hour period.
11.00 pm
FINISH
This is the cut-off time for those walking the 25km – This is when you can put your feet up knowing you have done an awesome job celebrating with a hard-earned medal and memories of a wonderful day raising much-needed funds for Kent charities.
from 6.00 am
PREPARATION
Arrive at Fort Amhurst Chatham, book in, take on some food and fluids and do some stretches to ensure you are ready for the off!
As you are likely to be walking into the evening you need to make sure you have a torch, battery power pack and enough food to seek you fuelled all day.
6.30 am - 9.30 am
START
The trek is not a race and therefore in order to avoid congestion we will be starting groups of walkers off in 5 minute intervals for this 3 hour period.
3.00 pm
1st CHECKPOINT
You need to be leaving the White Horse Country Park half-way point by 3pm to ensure you have enough time to complete the 50km course within time.
5.30 pm
2nd CHECKPOINT
You need to be leaving the rest-stop at Lenham Community Hall by the 5.30pm cutoff to ensure you have sufficient time to get to the finish by 11pm
11.00 pm
FINISH LINE
You will have passed the finish line at Eastwell Manor to collect your well deserved 50km finisher's medal. With a lot of memories and some friendships forged along the way you will be weary but standing ten-feet tall knowing the fabulous contribution you have made to the Kent based charities and ultimately those in your own community
Transportation
Free transportation is available if required. We can drop you back to the start with a free minibus trip.
If you are walking the 50k Trek please add this when signing up.
Medical Support
We will have multiple marshals along the route to help you if you become stuck or need help. All our Kent Search and Rescue marshals are trained in first aid, backed up by mobile medical teams.
Drink stations
With multiple dedicated hydration stations you can ensure you are kept hydrated and at the top of your game.
Charity
partners
Our Gold Partners
Our Bronze Partners
Are your a local charity that would like to get involved in Kent Charity Trek? Click to find out more here or contact us here