Explore the Kent countryside, from the North Downs to country parks, with a series of guided walks.

Maidstone’s Heart of Kent Walking Festival celebrates the nature, landmarks and attractions surrounding the county town.

The festival is led by Visit Maidstone from Maidstone Borough Council and takes place from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 2.

There are currently 12 walks available, with more set to be announced, all of which are run by expert guides.

The guides will share their knowledge, ranging from the flora, fauna and geology of the country surroundings to the history of local landmarks, with the group as they stroll in and around the Maidstone area.

The walks offer a variety of distances up to 22 miles and are suitable for different levels of mobility, experience and fitness.

Some of the current routes on offer include the Mote Park Tree Walk, the Vineyards, Orchards and Woodland Walk, the Luddesdown and Cobham Hike, and the Herbal Medicine Walk and Forest Therapy.

There will also be a Wild with Wheels route, which is a fully accessible nature scoot suitable for those with mobility limitations who rely on wheeled equipment.

Cllr Claudine Russell, Lead Member for Leisure and Arts at MBC, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the Heart of Kent Walking Festival back for a second year, this time in the spring.

“It’s the perfect event to celebrate this beautiful time of year as well as helping to support the local tourism industry by encouraging visitors to stay, visit local attractions, eat in our pubs and restaurants.

“To choose the right walk for you, please see the walk grades and accessibility description online. These walks are already booking up fast, so anyone interested should take a look at the Visit Maidstone website and book your preferred walk.”

All walks must be booked online in advance. A number of walks are free to sign up to.