B&B owners, tour guides, photographers and restaurateurs talked tourism on a unique networking hike.

On top of the White Cliffs of Dover, business people linked-up to discuss promoting outdoor activity - appropriately on a 5k stroll.

It made the inaugural NetWalking event a great success according to partners Kent Downs AONB and the North Downs Way.

Supported by White Cliffs Country, the tourism and visitor economy arm of Dover District Council, NetWalking Kent aims to boost the recovery of the local industry following the pandemic by offering a platform on which local businesses can hear about all available support schemes and re-connect with each other in person.

The professionals - including representatives from walking and cycling groups - met at St Margaret's Bay, walked to Fan Bay and back, returning to the popular Pines Garden Tea Room for a light lunch of local produce where they heard heard about a wide range of support initiatives.

One, artist and author Liz Garnett claimed: "It was the best networking event I have ever been to."

Pioneered eight years ago in the North by marketing consultant and rambler Faye Smith, NetWalking grew to 400 members.

On her relocation to Kent, a chance conversation with keen walker Rebecca Rees from the Kent Downs AONB Experience project, resulted in the launch of NetWalking Kent.

She said: "We are thrilled that the first event was such a great success.

"Over 20 businesses loved getting out to make valuable connections other in the open air and learning from each.

"With many more businesses telling us they want to join, we are already planning future NetWalks. Just check out our Facebook page KentDowns AONB for the next event."

You can find out more about future events at https://www.facebook.com/KentDownsAONB

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