WTF24: The Marathon - Course Guide

Our walkers will be issued with step by step directions on the day, but we have put together some stage information and maps that will give you their friends and family a feel for the route and what our walkers can expect.

Stage 1 - Tonbridge Baptist Church to The Chaser, Shipbourne
(4.45/7.12 km)

You will take your first steps from TBC, the home of our festival charity Sustain. Your entry 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 you into the countryside as you close in on mile one. Three miles in you 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 you will have the opportunity to refill water bottles, use the loo and touch base with our volunteers.

Stage 2 - The Chaser to The Kentish Rifleman, Dunks Green
(4.42km)

Leaving Shipbourne you 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. This hill is a beast, so remember to pace yourself!

As you leave the pretty village, the route goes off road once more, crossing meadows and following an old mill stream, before leading you to the Kentish Rifleman.

Stage 3 - The Kentish Rifleman to The Chaser Inn (1.47/2.35km)

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

Stage 4 - The Chaser Inn to The Bell
(5.5 miles/ 9 km)

A beautiful but challenging section of the route, sees the marathon pass through Dene Park, where you’ll pass 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 if the sun is out, but above all else you need to 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, if the going is soft underfoot.

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

Following the river Bourne into Golden Green, the route continues to The Bell Inn. Once more you can refill water bottles, freshen up or even stop for a swift half!

Stage 5 - The Bell to The Poacher and Partridge
(3.44/5.5 km)

Legs will be getting tired at this point, so you 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 route 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. This is our top pick for lunch if you are taking a leisurely approach to the marathon.

Stage 6 - The Poacher to Town Lock
(5.7 miles/9.18 km)

Another long section of the route will see you try and break the back of the marathon before the marathon breaks you!

After a walk across the fields around Tudeley, follow the river back into Tonbridge and you’ll arrive at Town Lock where our team of volunteers will be waiting to spur you on.

The route then cuts through Tonbridge Park before leading them out to Barden Lake, where you will find the next checkpoint.

Stage 7 - Town Lock to Haysden Country Park
(5.7 miles/9.18 km)

The route cuts across the High Street and then leads you into Tonbridge Park and past the swimming pool - there are loos here if you need them. After heading into the far corners of Tonbridge Park you’ll follow a quieter stretch of the river before arriving into Haysden. Our volunteer checkpoint team will be waiting by the lake for you.

Stage 7 - Barden Lake/Hawden Bungalow
(1.87 miles/2.9 km)

After completing a lap of the lake, you’ll head for The Powdermills (an old gun powder factory) before continuing downhill to Hawden Bungalow, the final check point of our route.

Whilst you check in you’ll be able to stop at our pop up tea room. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cuppa and load up on calories for the home stretch.

Stage 7 - Hawden Bungalow to Tonbridge
(1.6 miles / 2.6km)

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

One final push will see you journey back to Tonbridge across the fields. At mile 25 you may catch sight of The Parish Church tower in the distance as Tonbridge comes into view.

The final mile of the route is through the grounds of Tonbridge School and into The Slade.

As the castle looms down on you, there will just be a few steps to go of this epic challenge.

Continue round to the Tonbridge Old Fire Station and friends and family will be waiting to offer a heroes return as you are awarded your coveted WTF medal!