A Historical Walk on the Summer Solstice from maidstone to kit's coty
Summer Solstice Walk: A Journey Through History and Myth
A quick intro
On the 21st of June, the Summer Solstice, we will be strolling from the outskirts of Maidstone to visit the neolithic site of Kits Coty and surrounding megaliths.
The walk will start at Cobham Manor Carpark which is a paid car park. From the car park we will make our way through the park heading towards Little Kit’s Coty and Kit’s Coty itself then venture onto see the White Horse Stone.
On the way back we will pass through fields and woods to visit the former site of Boxley Abbey and catch a look at Allington Castle on the banks of the River Medway as we walk back to our starting point Along the way we will hear tales of: dastardly Anglo-Saxon invaders, the Devil getting up to no good and some very dubious Saints.
The details about a historical walk on the summer solstice
the details
Schedule
Date: 21 June 2025
Meet and Start Time: 09:15 meet for 09:30 am start
Walking time: 4.5 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Staff Member: Ben Crozier
Location
Meeting point:
Cobham Manor Park Forstal Rd, Aylesford ME20 7AG
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: We will be ascending the North Downs so it will get quite hilly in places.
Distance: Approximately 11.4 km (7.1 miles)
Walk Type: Circular
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
On the 21st of June, the Summer Solstice, join us for a captivating walk from the outskirts of Maidstone to visit the fascinating Neolithic site of Kit’s Coty and its surrounding megaliths. Our journey begins at Cobham Manor Carpark (a paid parking area), where we’ll head into the park towards Little Kit’s Coty and the famous Kit’s Coty. These ancient stone structures, dating back to around 3,500 BC, were likely used for burial rituals and have stood the test of time as mysterious landmarks.
Next, we’ll venture on to the White Horse Stone, another intriguing monument thought to have been a ceremonial marker. We’ll discuss its possible connection to ancient solstice rituals as we pause to admire its weathered form.
On the return leg, we’ll pass through fields and woods to visit the ruins of Boxley Abbey, a once-thriving Cistercian monastery dissolved in the 16th century. The abbey’s tragic fate during the reign of Henry VIII adds an extra layer of mystery to the site.
Our walk will also bring us along the River Medway, where we’ll catch a glimpse of Allington Castle, a Norman fortress with a long and storied past. As we make our way back to the starting point, we’ll share tales of Anglo-Saxon invaders, the Devil’s mischief, and dubious Saints—legends that have shaped this area over centuries.
This is more than just a walk—it’s a journey through time, exploring the ancient sites, fascinating stories, and rich history that make this part of Kent so unique.
The walk starts promptly on time. If you’re running a bit behind schedule, give us a call to inform us (you’ll find our number on your booking confirmation if you’ve booked through the website, or message Ian Henderson via MeetUp).