From our coast to our countryside, there are some brilliant options for a walking break. Just put one foot in front of the other…

Ancient ways

One of the most imaginative ways to enjoy a walking break within the Garden of England is with the British Pilgrimage Trust [BPT], whose ethos is embodied in its slogan: ‘bring your own beliefs.’ Yes, its guided walks embrace the Christian and pagan history of the places visited – with stories and songs from its lively and friendly leaders helping to bring them vividly to life - but the Trust aims to make pilgrimage, ‘…open, accessible and welcoming to all.’ Gentle self-guided day-walks (with lots of info on the BPT website) include a moderately challenging Wye to Canterbury 12.5miler, which takes in Bronze-age burial grounds, Tudor-era houses and a 15th-century pub on its way to the Cathedral, with Airbnb suggestions too if you want to take the walk at a more leisurely pace by adding an overnight stay. Keep an eye on the BPT website, too, for latest details of the Trust’s guided walks, where lively and friendly leaders use song and stories to bring Kent’s history vividly to life.

Britishpilgrimage.org

Leave the luggage to others

Don’t want to have to think about anything except keeping your boots laced up? Contour Holidays offers a 6-9 day Kent 67-mile coastal walk, starting just over the border in Camber and ending up in Ramsgate, from £610 per person. Highlights include not only those iconic White Cliffs in Dover, but the chance to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial and to wander through medieval Sandwich, too. Breakfast, luggage transfer and a full itinerary for each day’s walk is provided, plus accommodation in a range of guest houses and hotels en route. Contours.co.uk.

Festivals for the feet

If you’d like the chance be part of a bigger walking experience, take part in one of Kent’s excellent walking festivals. In spring, the Heart of Kent Walking Festival centres on the Maidstone area, with free walks incorporating the countryside and local history. visitmaidstone.com/walking-festival

In August comes The Ramblers’ White Cliffs Walking Festival, with most walks including a visit to a local hostelry, place of interest or a theme. Highlights this year included a full-moon walk starting in Swingfield, a tour of the Royal Marine Barracks in Walmer and Deal and a memorial walk from Bleriot Memorial, Dover. facebook.com/WhiteCliffsWalkingFestival