Step into Spring with William's Walk

Name: Step into Spring with William's Walk
Start: 2026-05-10T13:30:00+01:00
Location: Holly Hill Carpark for Dode Church, DA13 0UB

Schedule

Sun, 10 May, 2026 at 01:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Holly Hill Carpark for Dode Church, DA13 0UB | Gravesend, EN

Join the Dode and St. Benedict's sister churches for our annual William's Walk. This walk retraces the journey made by William, the last priest of Dode, to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth when Dode ceased to be used as a parish church in 1367.
This circular walk will start at Holly Hill Carpark, DA13 0UB, from where we walk to The Lost Village of Dode.
Imagine it's the year 1367. William, the last priest of Dode, was one of the very few people who survived the Black Death. Dode village was all but wiped out and the bishop told priest William to leave Dode church and continue his work serving the people of Dode's sister church St. Benedict's in Paddlesworth. William closes the door of Dode church behind him for the last time and continues to walk down the scenic North Downs to Paddlesworth. You are invited to go back in time and join William on his last walk from Dode Church to St. Benedict's (yes, you may dress up like William will for the occasion).
This is a free RSVP event. The circular walk conveniently starts at 1:30pm at Holly Hill carpark. From there it's a short walk to Dode church, where we arrive around 2pm for a 2:30pm start of William's walk to St. Benedict’s church, Paddlesworth. The hike leads through beautiful ancient woodland and farming fields with magnificent views of the Kent countryside. Arriving at St. Benedict's in Paddlesworth around 3:30pm, cream teas will be served by the Friends of St. Benedict's in support of the upkeep of the church. Fully refreshed we'll be walking back around 4:00pm from Paddlesworth via the ancient Pilgrims Way to Holly Hill carpark, giving even more stunning views of the North Downs. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Please wear comfortable walking boots as surfaces can be muddy, rough and steep.
Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 7 km, Ascent/Descent 214m).
Notes:
There's no need to register if you prefer to walk (part of) William's walk independently, Dode church is open from noon till 3pm and cream teas at Paddlesworth are available from 3pm onwards
As this is a circular walk, it is also possible to start (and park) at other points along the route. For some it might be more convenient to park up at St. Benedict's church and end the route there. Parking at Dode church is limited, so please contact us if you wish to start and finish the walk from there.