Reset Walk: New Year Networking - Wye to Chilham 10.5km

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

This 10.5km walk along a beautiful stretch of the North Downs Way is designed for informal business networking with a New Year reset in mind.

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

Starting at The Hub, Wye, where you can grab a coffee, we’ll follow one of the best stretches of the North Downs Way National Trail. This picturesque route takes us through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Complete with a visit to the intriguing Coppice Oratory and wintry views over Godmersham Park, we'll finish at Chilham’s medieval square.

Afterwards, there is the option to stay for a coffee or lunch (not included) in one of the local pubs.

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

Tickets are £10 per person, with all proceeds donated to the to support conservation across the North Downs Way National Trail.

Your ticket includes:

• A guided 3.5 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)

• Distance: 10.5 km approx
• Duration: 9:30 AM – 1PM, with breaks
• Route type: Linear
• Start: The Hub, Wye, TN25 5BX (parking and toilets available)
• Finish: Chilham Square
• Terrain: Footpaths with some 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

• Arrive from 9:20AM
• Depart promptly at 9:30 AM
• Meeting point: The Hub, Wye, TN25 5BX
• What3Words: ///losing.ridge.respected

Joining instructions emailed beforehand.

• 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.

This route is not suitable for:

• wheelchairs
• mobility scooters
• walking frames
• buggies

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.

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

• Wye Station: 5 min walk
• Direct trains from Canterbury and Ashford International
• Chilham Station: 10 minute walk from finishing point

• Free parking at Wye Station car park and The Hub
• Additional limited village parking

• Toilets are available at The Hub
• No toilets on the route - nature wees only!
• Pub toilets available for customers at the end

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

Please bring:

• Water, snacks and a flask of something hot to drink

• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket
• Sturdy footwear with good grip (in case of mud/ice!)
• Hat + gloves
• Water
• Any personal Medic*tion

Optional:

• Walking poles
• Small sit-mat or blanket

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

• 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.

• 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

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.

Friday 20 March • Canterbury andChartham

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

Eventbrite link: TBC

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.

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