A popular charity walk offers participants the chance to enjoy some of Kent’s most spectacular natural and historical heritage in June.

The route of the KM Charity Walk goes via Great II-listed Mote House, National Trust property Stoneacre and the “loveliest castle in the world” ­– Leeds Castle.

In addition, event supporter the Kent Wildlife Trust’s reserves The Larches, Kiln Wood and Quarry Wood are all a short distance from the route.

And walkers will also be able to enjoy a special scarecrow trail created for the event. Schools, clubs and charities have been invited to submit entries for the inaugural Ted’s Scarecrow Challenge.

Participants in the walk will vote to decide which is the best scarecrow, with £150 going to the most popular. A panel of judges will also award £100 to their favourite scarecrow.

The walk takes place on Sunday, June 23. There is a choice of 10 and five-mile routes, and people can take part to raise money for their favourite good causes or simply for pleasure.

It is supported by organisations including the Benenden Hospital Trust, whose director, Jane Abbott, said: “We’re very proud to support the KM Charity Walk, which is in its 24th year.

“It will leave from the very beautiful Grade II-listed mansion Mote House in Maidstone, and pass properties such as Stoneacre and Leeds Castle.”

Ms Abbott added that the trust used events like the walk to support its charity partner, Porchlight.

She explained: “At Benenden Hospital we’re really delighted to support Porchlight, which is a local charity based in Kent, which supports individuals who are vulnerable and isolated, getting them back into housing, education and other services like that.

“So we do a range of fun fundraising events during the year, and for us it’s really important to be able to give something to those who are wanting our help.”

Any individual raising more than £200 for charity will be entered into a prize draw to win two free Eurostar tickets.

Seventy per cent of sponsorship money will go to participants’ chosen charities, with the rest helping to fund the KM Charity Team’s child-literacy, green-travel and road-safety work.

In addition to the KWT and Benenden Hospital Trust, the walk is supported by headline partner Specsavers and Mote House, Maidstone Ramblers, Maidstone Riverside Rotary, Simply Ice Cream, the Woodstove Trading Company, the Wellbeing People and Stronger Kent Communities.

The cost is £11.50 for adults for online bookings, and £15 otherwise. There is a £1.50 discount when using the code KMNews19. Children go free.

See kmcharitywalk.co.uk for bookings and further information.