About The Great Southern Walk
The Great Southern Walk is Kent’s newest annual community event — a 15-mile challenge walk and 5-mile family walk set in the breathtaking Kent Downs. Taking place on Sunday 14th September 2025, the event brings together residents, businesses, and organisations to raise funds for two life-changing charities: The Prince of Wales Youth Club and Rising Sun.
- About The Great Southern Walk
- About The Great Southern Walk
- About The Great Southern Walk
- About The Great Southern Walk
- About The Great Southern Walk
🎯 Our Purpose
At its heart, this walk is about more than just countryside and cardio. It’s about creating meaningful change right here in our community — funding youth development, supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and showing what’s possible when Kent walks together.
We believe in:
Access for all (under-16s walk free)
Real impact through local charities
Long-term partnerships with local businesses
👣 Two Routes, One Goal
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15-Mile Challenge Walk
Starts 9:00am. Explore remote hamlets, ancient churches, and wild woodland with 1,300+ ft of elevation. -
5-Mile Family Walk
Starts 11.30am, this route is mostly flat and perfect for families with children.
🏅 All participants receive medals.
🍩 There will be food available to purchase at the finish line.
🤝 Powered by Community
This event is entirely organised by local volunteers and community leaders. From signage to digital marketing, everything is built in-house — for Kent, by Kent.
Organising Committee:
Tim Brett (Founder)
Roger Hickman (Chairman)
Rachel Brett (Secretary)
Peter Woolnough (Treasurer)
Bryony Wicks, Joey Wicks (Prince of Wales Youth Club)
Abbie Schryver, Fran Ellis, Emma Gray (Rising Sun)
Alan Roberton (Route Planner)
Robert Saints (Digital, Branding & IT)
💼 A Platform for Local Business
We invite local companies, developers, and councils to walk alongside us — as sponsors, partners, or team participants.
Your support brings:
Brand visibility across Kent and beyond
Social ROI in education, safety, and youth inclusion
Public recognition through PR, signage, and media assets
📧 Learn more at: sponsorships@thegreatsouthernwalk.co.uk
📍 Location & Impact
The event starts and finishes in Thanington, Canterbury, with both routes set across the Kent Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). All proceeds go directly to our partner charities: