The Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester to Canterbury via the North Downs
Route map for North Downs Pilgrims’ Way by Andy Bull on plotaroute.com
2: Hilaire Belloc’s Old Road
This route is from the British Pilgrimage Trust. Please note that it by-passes some villages, including Kemsing, Wrotham and Charing, and you will need to make slight diversions to visit the churches and other pilgrim points described in the Kent Pilgrim Routes book.
How to get downloadable maps from the British Pilgrimage Trust
Set up an account – basic accounts are free
Go to this page:
https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/pilgrims-way-to-canterbury-ndpw
Click on ‘Download route file’ Fill in the details requested and then click on ‘Send the gpx file to my email’
I suggest you open the email on your phone.
You will need to have a gpx reader set up in order to open the gpx file.
I use the OS (Ordnance Survey) app, but others are available
When you are asked which application to use to open the file, scroll down the list until you get to the OS app, or an alternative you have downloaded. Select it and then click on ‘Import’
The map will now open in that application.
Rochester detour
If you would like to visit Rochester, the British Pilgrimage Trust has a downloadable gpx route
Go to this page: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/pilgrims-way-to-canterbury-60b7b
Click on ‘Download route’ file and follow the directions
Should you choose to follow the routes linked to, please be aware of the following disclaimer
You discharge the author, and Amberley, or any associated individual concerned, of all liability for any injuries caused by or in any way related to your decision to walk any of these routes.
Public Transport
Compare public transport options on Rome2Rio
Rail: South Eastern serves Otford, Kemsing, Halling, Aylesford, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham, Charing, Chilham and Canterbury
Bus: Guide here
Taxi: Sevenoaks Beeline Taxis Maidstone Apex Cars Lenham Village Car Canterbury Canterbury Taxis
Where to eat and stay
Westerham (for Oxted) George and Dragon food, drink, accommodation
Sevenoaks (for Otford) Premier Inn
Wrotham Bull Hotel food, drink, accommodation
Kemsing Up the Downs B&B
Aylesford The Friars pilgrim accommodation, food, drink for non-residents
Boxley King’s Arms food, drink
Thurnham Black Horse food, drink, accommodation
Hollingbourne Dirty Habit food drink
Lenham Dog and Bear food, drink, accommodation
Charing Red Lion food, drink, accommodation
Chilham Woolpack food, drink accommodation, Old Alma Inn food, drink, accommodation
Canterbury House of Agnes accommodation, Premier Inn food, drink, accommodation, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel food, drink, accommodation, Refectory Kitchen food, drink, Wilding Eatery food, drink, The Parrot food, drink
Pilgrim places
Otford Otford Palace
Kemsing St Mary’s
Wrotham St George’s
Aylesford The Friars (Aylesford Priory)
Charing St Peter and St Paul
Archbishop’s Palace Private property, do not go past gateway. Village Trail guide
Harbledown
St Nicholas’s Hospital Harbledown. They say: ‘Please respect the privacy of the residents of the alms houses. Visitors canhttps://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/worship/pilgrimage/ walk around the open-air areas of the hospital, but must apply for permission to enter the church.’
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral Information for pilgrims