KENTSTAYCATION
THE SOUND OF SILENCE : DIGITAL DETOX IN KENT
THE ‘ SILENT WALKING ’ TREND IS CURRENTLY HAVING MORE THAN A MOMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THE TIKTOK GENERATION BLOWN AWAY BY THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING WITH NO DISTRACTIONS FROM MUSIC , AIRPODS , PODCASTS OR HEADPHONES . PUSHING PAST THE IRONY OF THEM DOCUMENTING THIS ON THEIR PHONES , IT ’ S A POSITIVE .
BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
A
simple day-to-day existence in this everconnected world can be a mind-racing assault on the senses , prompting people from all walks of life to seek out relaxing antidotes to over-stimulation . Mirroring this search for mental clarity , the Global Wellness Institute has forecast a 21 % rise in wellness travel over the next two years , meaning more of us than ever are seeking out ways to counterbalance life ’ s stresses with silence and relaxation .
It is of course entirely up to you how far you take your opportunity to disconnect and escape the noise – some may prefer a simple walk without disturbance from devices ( or other people for that matter !), others might want to soak up some nature or history , and for those really needing a mental break from life ’ s hustle and bustle , a dedicated digital detox retreat might be the answer . However great the lengths you ’ re prepared to go for to seek out some peace and quiet , there is ample opportunity to sit with little else than your thoughts across this captivating county , so consider this a little black book of ideas and dip into it when you need some inspiration on how to step back and switch off .
Augustine Camino Walking Pilgrimage augustinecamino . co . uk
The Augustine Camino is a choice of either guided day trips or week-long walking pilgrimages through some of Kent ’ s most beautiful countryside to local sacred sites such as Rochester Cathedral , Canterbury Cathedral , Aylesford Priory and St . Augustine ’ s Church , Ramsgate . The experience is without question a time to reflect without interruptions providing modern-day pilgrims with a whole roster of thought-provoking experiences such as discovering the ancient relics of famous saints , handling crosses carved by departing crusaders , and meeting Carmelite friars and cathedral canons , all while walking peacefully through unspoilt villages , woods , apple orchards , vineyards and hop gardens .
Canterbury Historic River Tours canterburyrivertours . co . uk
Buzzing Canterbury ’ s social and historic lure understandably attracts a lot of visitors , so the cathedral city might not seem like an obvious choice to escape the crowds and chill out . The clever team at award-winning Canterbury Historic River Tours , however , have a wonderful walking tour amongst their offerings encouraging people to put their phones firmly away and discover the secrets and stories of the city while remaining entirely present . Entertaining and informative , you ’ ll explore the historic city on foot with a highly trained guide for either 45 or 90 minutes on an insightful exploration taking in sights including the Old Buttermarket and Cathedral Gate , Canterbury Castle and old city walls , Westgate Towers and many more .
Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty kentdowns . org . uk
Kent ’ s best-known swathe of glorious countryside , where you ’ re far more likely to encounter a farm animal than anyone else , the Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty spans a whopping 878 square of impossibly scenic landscapes , rolling hills , deep valleys and chocolate-box villages and is the perfect option for long solo rambles . You can of course head out with wild abandon should the mood take you , but with a huge range of guided routes with clear trails and signposted
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