The Heart of Kent Walking Festival returns in 2026, and it’s right around the corner.
Organised by the Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) marketing and events team, the event takes place over 10 days from Friday 20 to Sunday 29 March 2026. The festival programme is a diverse series of guided walks designed to celebrate community, wellbeing, and the natural beauty in the region.
There are routes that explore the rolling Kent North Downs, ancient woodland trails, and scenic village loops steeped in local history. Knowledgeable walk leaders guide each group, sharing stories about the area’s wildlife, historic buildings, and footpaths.
For 2026, there are new walks across more Kent locations, providing opportunities to discover new places, such as a fresh perspective of Maidstone town centre, and the chance to see the hedgehogs at Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve.
There will also be longer-distance challenges and wellbeing-focused sessions.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, MBC cabinet member for Healthier Stronger Communities, said: “The Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026 will help everyone to find new things in familiar routes, and discover hidden secrets in unexpected places in our local heritage landscapes. Visitors from across the world often rub shoulders with seasoned local walkers on these walks, making these events a superb social occasion while enjoying our beautiful surroundings. Make sure you book your tickets and get ready to step out into an unforgettable weekend of fresh air, discovery, and connection.”
Booking tickets for the Heart of Kent Walking Festival, as well as all the information for the individual routes, can be found on the festival’s portal on the Visit Maidstone website.
Event partners include Maidstone Museum, Walk Wild, Boots on Adventure, MJ Outdoors, LDWA, Augustine Camino, Hike South East and the Kent Community Rail Partnership.
