11 June, 2022

Walk Hollingbourne to Hucking Estate

This 9KM by 9AM walk features the Kent village of Hollingbourne, the Pilgrim’s Way, the North Downs Way and the Hucking Estate.

The Hucking Estate, Kent

Hucking Estate is located in Kent, England and is a popular walking destination. The estate has been managed by the Woodland Trust and features walking trails, a café, and an information center. Visitors can also enjoy views of the River Medway from the estate. Hucking Estate is open all year round and offers a variety of walking routes to suit all abilities. The estate is also home to a number of events throughout the year, including guided walks, nature activities, and stargazing evenings. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Hucking Estate is the perfect place to explore Kent's natural beauty.

The Walk

Starting in Hollingbourne, a village four miles (6.4 km) from Maidstone.

I walked along the country path through the train station and up to the Pilgrim’s Way, turning right at Allington Farm. I then followed the footpath on a 1KM steep climb to the North Downs Way and the view point at The Hucking Estate in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Hucking Estate (281.71 hectares/696.12 acres) is located around the village of Hucking. Managed by the Woodland Trust it is well worth a visit. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/.../woods/hucking-estate/

The Estate runs to the escarpment of the North Downs along the southern boundary, which on a clear day (today) affords fantastic views across the Weald of Kent.

Total elevation of the walk is 167 metres with a mixture of roads and country paths.

Nigel's Gone Walking Score

Nigel ranks this walk a score 8.5 out of 10! It's clearly one to add to your bucket list of beautiful walks.

Duration & Distance

2 hours 52 minutes covering 9.06km

Parking

There is plenty of parking in Hollingbourne. I parked on Eyhorne Street.

What3words location we used is - ///rankings.happier.showrooms

Map of Route

Below you'll find a mapmyride image of the route including elevation.

About our contributor Nigel Jones of 9km by 9am

Nigel is the founder of 9KM BY 9AM and walks 9KM before 9 o’clock every day.

9KM BY 9AM is a health & wellness channel featuring the 9KM BY 9AM CHALLENGE and is available on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The channel features daily walks and thoughts and is open to anyone who wants to challenge themselves.

Over the first 12 months Nigel walked 3,420kms before breakfast! That’s the equivalent of 81 marathons!

Nigel says, ‘The walks are a great time to think, plan your day and also meditate. It’s not just about walking it's about the ideas, the thoughts, the creativity time. Out walking early in the morning is a great time to learn new things through listening to podcasts and audio books and reflect.’

Nigel Jones

Founder of the health and wellness channel 9KM BY 9AM.

Author of Walking Back To Happiness” The Secret To Alcohol-free Living & Well-being.

Certified Positive Psychology & NLP Coach - with the internationally recognised, double accredited, International Coaching Federation and Association for Coaching, AreteWay Coaching Course.

Founder of REROOT YOURSELF™ - a detailed look at the science behind nature and wellness. Helping busy people with limited time tap into the art of forest bathing and the healing power of nature. A group masterclass / workshop – designed for organisations and businesses to help improve the mental health and wealth of employees.

Nigel holds a Diploma (Distinction) in Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing). Is trained in the Power Of Awareness, University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and the Awareness Training Institute.

Nigel shares with us is Lived Experience of over 700 walks in nature - walking 9 kilometres before 9 o’clock every day since May 2021. Highlights include:

The power of being present at every sunrise for the past 21 months
Insights into his meditation processes and techniques
What he saw and learned on over 6,000 kilometres (equivalent of 150 marathons) of walks in the forest, mountains and coastal areas of the UK
How you can benefit from these insights

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