★★★★★
"A Tour Like
No Other"
TripAdvisor
WILD ADVENTURES
Reinvigorate | Relax | Restore
RIDE|RUN|ROW|CAMP
CYCLING or RUNNING
WILD CAMPING
WILD SWIMMING
RIVER KAYAKING
CAMPFIRE FEASTING
WOODLAND
MINDFULNESS
DURATION
2 days | 1 night
CYCLING/RUNNING TIME & DISTANCE
Approx. 2-3hrs/day | 20 miles/day | Leisurely pace with plenty of stops
PADDLING TIME & DISTANCE
Approx. 5miles 2.5hrs | Leisurely pace
LOCATION
Margate | Canterbury | Kent Downs AOB
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
ACCOMMODATION
Lush bell tents provided by Whitstablke Dreams in an ancient Kent woodland | Compost toilet
Immerse yourself in a weekend of adventure. Leisurely cycling or running along the dramatic coast and through the stunning Kent Downs countryside, wild camping in an ancient Kent woodland, a campfire feast, woodland mindfulness, wild river swimming and kayaking.
En route, your guides will share interesting stories, tidbits, and facts to keep everyone entertained.
Ideal for small groups, these weekend retreats offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, friends or family or form new bonds.
A shared experience that you will remember forever!
About Primal Runners
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning | We’ll meet at Margate station at midday where you will be introduced to your fellow adventurers before heading off along a traffic-free coastal path then into the countryside through several quaint villages and stunning countryside.
Afternoon | Lunch in a village pub whose exciting unconventional charcuterie menu is inspired by the wilds of Kent with seasonal locally foraged food. Then we’ll ride along the riverside and through beautiful woodland to Canterbury where Colin will bring the medieval city to life.
Evening | A short ride from Canterbury through part of the stunning Pilgrims Way will take us to our wild camping location, a twelve-acre ancient Kent woodland. Either choose to stay in a yurt or tent which will be set up ready for a tranquil nights sleep amongst the trees. Before we slumber, there will be time to relax and unwind while Colin cooks a hearyy vegetable stew. As the sun sets we’ll gather around the campfire, feast and share tales.
MORNING | After a healthy breakfast, either relax, explore the forest or join our “mindfulness in the woods” session, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – Forest Bathing – using the peace and rhythms of the natural world.
Afternoon | We'll make our way back to Margate via pedal & paddle, kayaking down a beautiful stretch of the River Stour. As you paddle along the River Stour with your guide, you will spot a variety of plants and animals, from dragonflies to kingfishers, perhaps even the rare sighting of a water vole or beaver. We'll then cycle the remainder of the journey, arriving on Margate feeling relaxed and restored.
What's Included
accomodation | One night of wild woodland camping in a tent which will be set up and ready for you. A flocked double air mattress will be provided for the tents. Sleep to the sounds of owls at night and wake up to the sounds of the woodpeckers & nightingales.
BIKES | Hybrid or mountain bike with pannier racks, and helmets. Bungee cords are supplied so you can attach a small rucksack and sleeping bag to the pannier rack. You are welcome to bring your own bike if you wish.
PADDLE CRAFTS | Single or double kayak, or double or triple canoe supplied by Canoe Wild
GUIDEd tour | Colin is an experienced tour guide who has been regularly wild camping in Scotland for over twenty years. An artist, musician and event producer with a passion for sharing adventures.
GUIDED MIDfullness in the woods | This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.
Meals | Dinner - a hearty vegetable stew using a recipe that has been perfected during Colin's wild camping trips in Scotland | Campfire banana boats and roasted marshmallows for dessert | Breakfast - Granola with yogurt and a selection of fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.
What to bring
Small rucksack, sleeping bag which can be strapped to pannier racks (bungie cords supplied).
Second rucksack if you need to carry on your back.
Comfy clothing and something warm for the evening.
Swimwear & towel.
Torch, sun protection, rain jacket if needed.
Toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Snacks & funds for lunch's.