A Historical summer Solstice Walk around Maypole and surrounding villages Guided Walks
Midsummer paths and village tales: a historical walk through Maypole and beyond
A quick intro
Join us on Sunday 21st June for a special midsummer walk exploring the countryside and historic villages surrounding Maypole, Hoath, and Chislet. Starting from School Lane Car Park in Herne, this four-and-a-half-hour guided walk takes place on the Summer Solstice, offering a chance to experience the landscape at one of the most memorable points in the calendar.
Setting out from Herne, the route leads through a varied mix of woodland paths, open fields, quiet country roads, and traditional orchards. Along the way we visit the villages of Hoath, Maypole, and Chislet, each with its own character and history.
As we walk, you’ll hear a series of engaging stories, including tales of an unlikely explorer, a pioneering figure in the world of beer, and references to some of the oldest laws in the land. With a relaxed pace and a planned lunch stop, this walk offers a rewarding mix of scenery, history, and sociable exploration.
The details about A historical midsummers walk from Maypole
the details
Schedule
Date: 21 June 2026
Meet and Start Time: 09:15 meet for 09:30 am start
Walking time: 4.5 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Walk Leader: Ben Crozier
Location
Meeting point: School Lane Car Park 10 School Ln, Herne Bay CT6 7HL
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: There will be a few hills but it is mainly on the flat. There will be stiles.
Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
Walk Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
- Suitable walking attire
important notes
- We welcome friendly dogs on our walks, provided they remain on a lead at all times. The owner is fully responsible for their dog throughout the walk.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
- Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a user cancels within 4 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of 4 days, will receive a credit available to use within 90 days. Cancel at least 4 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future walk, valid for 90 days.
Learn more aboutthis wonderful walk
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a guided countryside walk through one of Kent’s most varied and historic landscapes. Led by Ben Crozier. This circular route combines woodland, farmland, and village life with storytelling that brings the area’s past to life.
Starting at School Lane Car Park in Herne, the walk begins by heading out into open countryside, gradually linking together the surrounding villages of Hoath, Maypole, and Chislet through a network of footpaths, quiet lanes, and rural tracks.
The landscape throughout the walk is varied and typically Kentish, with stretches of woodland giving way to fields, orchards, and gently rolling countryside. While there are a few hills along the way, much of the route remains steady and manageable, making it suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
A key part of this walk is the storytelling woven into the route. As we move between villages and across the countryside, you’ll hear about an unlikely explorer connected to the area, a figure who helped shape the history of brewing, and traditions linked to some of the oldest laws still recognised today. These stories add depth and character to the landscape, offering more than just a scenic walk.
The walk covers approximately 11.75 kilometres (around 7.3 miles) and takes around four and a half hours, including a relaxed lunch stop of roughly 30 minutes. This provides time to rest, refuel, and enjoy the surroundings before continuing the route.
Dogs are welcome on this walk, provided they are friendly and kept on a lead throughout.
With its combination of midsummer timing, varied landscapes, and engaging local stories, this walk offers a memorable way to experience the Kent countryside while enjoying a relaxed and friendly group atmosphere