WTF25: Route Guide

Much of the route is made up of existing Walk Tonbridge routes but these have been adapted to create a marathon length walk!

Stage 1 - Tonbridge Baptist Church to The Chaser, Shipbourne
4.49 miles /7.19 km

Our marathon walkers will take their first step from TBC, the home of our festival charity Sustain. Some of our walkers will be raising money for this amazing charity, which provides emergency food parcels to those experiencing short term need.

Leaving suburban Tonbridge behind, the route quickly leads them into the countryside as they close in on mile one. Three miles in the walkers will face their first hill of the route, a punchy number which will offer an early test to all but the most seasoned walker.

The Chaser Inn is the first checkpoint of the route, where our walkers will have the opportunity to refill water bottles and touch base with our volunteers.

Stage 2 - The Chaser to The Kentish Rifleman,
Dunks Green
2.66 miles/4.27 km

The walkers will hit their five mile mark as they make the big climb from Shipbourne up to Plaxtol. This is one of the most scenic sections of the route, offering up views right the way across the valley, but there won’t be much time for selfies at the top!

As they leave the village of Plaxtol, the route goes off road once more, crossing a meadows, before leading them through quiet lanes to The Kentish Rifleman.

Stage 3 - The Kentish Rifleman, Dunks Green to The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne
1.35 miles/2.16 km

Measuring just under 1.5 miles this is the shortest leg of the route as the walkers double back on themselves to The Chaser, Inn. This section will give a good indication of the teams walking pace as the walk leaders have a chance of coming face to face with the stragglers!

Stage 4 - The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne to The Bell Inn, Golden Green
5.55 miles/8.88 km

A beautiful but challenging section of the route, sees the marathon pass through Dene Park, where the route passes the 10 mile mark. A good time here would be 3 hours, but this will depend on the conditions.

The endless trees will provide welcome shade for the walkers if the sun is out, but above all else the walkers will hope the paths stay dry. The slightest of rain in the build up to the marathon could make this a tricky section of the walk, as the going turns from good to soft.

From Dene Park the route heads towards Hadlow, continuing downhill and then cutting through the grounds of the college and through the village. As they set eyes upon Hadlow Tower, the walkers will know they are near the half way mark!

Following the river Bourne into Golden Green, the route continues to The Bell Inn. This is just over the half way mark and will be chance for walkers to catch up with their support teams or gauge their progress.

Stage 5 - The Bell Inn, Golden Green to The Poacher and Partridge, Tudeley
3.44 miles/5.5 km

Legs will be getting tired at this point, so our walkers will welcome another flat section of the course. There will be a few stiles to contend with, as well as a river crossing, but there will be no wet feet unless it rains!

The walkers will pass through fields and orchards as they make their way through traditional Kentish countryside, before emerging at The Poacher - a pub that features on a number of our self-guided walks.

Stage 6 - The Poacher Tudeley to Town Lock, Tonbridge
3.95 miles/6.32 km

A long section of the route will see the teams try and break the back of the marathon before the marathon breaks them!

The river, will lead the walkers back into Tonbridge for the first time since mile 1. Friends and family will be able to cheer them on as they pass through the town centre, enjoying a drinks break at Town Lock.

Stage 7 - Town Lock, Tonbridge to Barden Lake
2.03 miles/3.26 km

The route will lead the walkers through Tonbridge Park and past Tonbridge Swimming Pool before heading out to Haysden Country Park. Halfway round Barden Lake they will find our team of volunteers ready to greet them with encouragement and snacks. Toilets are available nearby.

Stage 8 - Barden Lake to Hawden Bungalow, Hildenborough
1.55 miles/2.47 km

By this point our brave teams will be dreaming off a hot bath, ice packs and probably a foot massage!

After leaving Haysden Country Park, the marathon routes them via the Powdermills before continuing downhill onto Hawden Bungalow.

We will be able to offer them tea, coffee, soft drinks and cake at ‘The Orchard Tea Room’ our pop up cafe in the gardens of Hawden Bungalow.

Stage 9 - Hawden Bungalow, Hildenborough to Tonbridge Old Fire Station
1.52 miles/2.44 km

One final push will see them walkers journey back to Tonbridge across the fields. The sight of The Parish Church tower in the distance will spur them on as Tonbridge comes into view around mile 25.

The final mile will see the walkers coming through the grounds of Tonbridge School and into The Slade.

As the castle looms down on them, they will know they have just a few steps to go as they walk the final few steps to the Tonbridge Old Fire Station.

Friends and family will be there to offer a rapturous welcome, as our heroes return, ready to receive their medal and enjoy a well earned drink.