North Downs Backpacking and Navigation Adventure

Have you ever looked at long-distance trails and thought, “I’d love to do that one day, but I wouldn’t know where to start?” Our North Downs Backpacking & Navigation Adventure is the perfect introduction to multi-day backpacking. This two-day guided expedition has been designed for walkers who want to experience the freedom of carrying everything they need, sleeping under canvas and developing the confidence to explore further. Throughout the adventure, you will learn essential outdoor skills including map and compass navigation, route finding, backpack packing, campcraft and travelling efficiently with a loaded rucksack. With the support of an experienced leader and a small friendly group, you will gain the skills and confidence needed to take on future walking adventures. Whether you are preparing for your first long-distance trail, looking to improve your navigation skills or simply want to experience something new, this adventure provides the perfect opportunity to step into the world of backpacking. Two days. One backpack. A whole new adventure.### Pre-Adventure Backpacking WorkshopTo help you feel fully prepared and confident before setting off, we will hold a pre-adventure backpacking workshop before the expedition. Tuesday 22nd March 2027 (online option at 6:30pm on 31st August 2026) Location: Iwade, Kent Time: 6- 7:30pm This informal preparation session gives you the opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow participants and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure. During the session, we will cover:How to pack your backpack efficiently. How to distribute weight comfortably. What equipment you really need (and what you can leave at home). Food planning and meal preparation ideas. Clothing and personal equipment. How to use the tents and camping equipment provided. The opportunity to practise pitching tents. Final preparation advice before heading to the South Downs. This is a great opportunity to look at the equipment available, practise packing your backpack and build confidence before your first day on the trail.Day 1 – Chilham to Dunn StreetWe begin our adventure at Chilham Car Park (a short walk from the sttaion) where we will meet the group, check equipment and make sure everyone’s backpack is correctly fitted before setting off. As we join the North Downs Way, we will begin learning the foundations of successful backpacking. This includes how to pack your rucksack efficiently, adjust your load, pace yourself and walk comfortably whilst carrying weight. Throughout the day, we will introduce practical navigation skills using an Ordnance Survey map and compass. You will learn how to identify landscape features, understand contours, take bearings and follow a route rather than simply relying on a guide. After arriving at Dunn Street Campsite, we will set up camp and enjoy an evening outdoors. This is the perfect opportunity to practise campcraft skills, discuss equipment choices and relax with fellow adventurers.Day Two – Dunn Street to LenhamAfter breakfast, we will pack away camp and prepare for the second stage of our journey. Today provides the opportunity to put your navigation skills into practice. Working together as a group, participants will take turns navigating sections of the route using map and compass, with guidance and support from Ian throughout. As your confidence grows, you will experience the satisfaction of travelling through the countryside using traditional navigation skills and understanding exactly where you are and where you are heading. Our adventure finishes at Chilham Railway Station, where you can either catch the train back to Chilham or organise lift-sharing arrangements through the event WhatsApp group. By the end of the day 2, you will have completed your first guided backpacking expedition and developed skills that can be used on countless future adventures.