Celebrating the Success of Putting Down Routes 

Accessibility tagsNetworking tagsNorth Downs Way tagsPutting Down Routes tags

11th November 2026

Putting Down Routes set out with an ambitious vision: to make the countryside more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone while embedding these values throughout our organisation.  

The project achieved remarkable results: 

• 80 walks and community events delivered 

• 1,732 event attendances 

• 27 new North Downs Way Ambassadors trained 

• 89 people trained in access and inclusion 

• Almost 7km of pathways resurfaced to improve accessibility 

• A new accessible path created to the Capel-le-Ferne Sound Mirror 

• 66 participants involved in lived experience activities designed to increase understanding of accessibility challenges.  

These figures tell an important story, but the real success of Putting Down Routes is found in the people, partnerships and communities that have grown through the project.   

Through walks, activities and community events, together we helped people overcome barriers that may previously have prevented them from accessing and enjoying the countryside.  

For many, these activities were an introduction to the North Downs Way and Kent Downs National Landscape. Others discovered new confidence, new connections and a stronger connection with nature close to home.  

The project proved when activities are designed with communities rather than for communities, they feel welcome, valued and inspired to return. 

One of the greatest achievements has been the exceptional network of partnerships created. Working alongside organisations including Black Girls Hike, Wild With Wheels, Muslim Hikers, Moja Collective, Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees and Ashford College, we connected with communities who have often been underrepresented in the countryside.  

One of the standout lessons from Putting Down Routes is connecting people with the countryside is about much more than walking. 

They took part in activities ranging from photography and mindfulness to herbal medicine, nature connection and heritage exploration. These diverse experiences created opportunities to engage with the landscape in meaningful, relevant and enjoyable ways.  

A particularly exciting legacy of the project is the growth of the North Downs Way Ambassador network. 

Twenty-seven new ambassadors were recruited and trained, helping to diversify and strengthen an already passionate group of volunteers and community champions.  

Our ambassadors are enthusiastic, committed and multi-skilled, bringing expertise in everything from photography and poetry to mindfulness, geology and herbal medicine. Together they are helping to tell new stories about the North Downs Way and inspire new audiences to explore it.  

Putting Down Routes has never been just about a two-year programme of activity. From the outset, it aimed to create lasting change. 

It has led to stronger community relationships, new ways of working, improved accessibility, valuable organisational learning and a range of resources that will continue to benefit future visitors. These include an accessibility toolkit, rail walks guide and ambassador handbook that will support inclusive access well beyond the life of the project.  

Putting Down Routes as a foundation for long-term change and a catalyst for embedding inclusive practice across future work.  

As we celebrate everything that has been achieved, we also look forward with excitement. The relationships, learning and momentum created through Putting Down Routes provide a powerful foundation for the next chapter, ensuring the benefits of this remarkable project will continue to be felt for many years to come.  

Here’s a highlights film of the project. 

 

 

 

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