West Kent Freemasons, Worshipful Brothers Andrew Waddington, APGM and James Waddington, Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon answer that question.

“We wanted to do a really difficult challenge to raise money for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) via the West Kent 2026 Festival. We saw the challenge more of a way of giving lodges, chapters and individuals a focal point following such an unprecedented time over the past couple of years where, certainly in West Kent, funds that would have ordinarily been donated in aid of the Festival were actively encouraged by the Provincial Grand Master to be diverted to local charities and good causes, and to those Freemasons that were suffering financially due to the pandemic.

With the return to some semblance of normality and a resumption of our Freemasonry labours we felt that now was the proper time to bring the 2026 Festival back into everyone’s minds. This was to be at the forefront of our decision.

Following a stressful couple of weeks at work and a crazy family life, James had decided to take a week off to do a long distance hike to get away from it all. Dad, Andrew, said he would like to come along. It would be a much needed chance to catch up and to reset. It was also decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get some fundraising done for the West Kent 2026 Festival.

In March 2022 planning started with the main event set for the end of July. We started a gruelling training regime of strength training, weight carrying training and building up the miles. With a pack weight of around 15kg (33lbs), a daily mileage of around 24 miles and a daily climb of 2,000 ft training was essential.

Come the day to start we stayed the night before in Winchester so that we could get an early start.  This was the first day of the predicted heatwave, but with time off work booked and life rearranged for the week there was no option to change things. We duly set off from Winchester Cathedral at 5am arriving six days later at Canterbury Cathedral at 3pm… 341,835 steps later.”

Day one: 23 miles, 1,600ft.

Starting in Winchester and covering: New Alresford, Ropley, Four Marks, Alton.

Spirits were high and we dodged the heat by staying on the forest edge where possible and making sure that we stayed hydrated filling up our water at any and all opportunities.

Day two: 25 miles, 2,000ft.

Covering Upper Froyle, Bentley, Farnham, Puttenham, Guildford, St Marta’s Hill.

Some blisters had started to appear, due to the heat causing sweaty feet. We were managing to keep our calories up with the meals we had prepared and supplemented with supplies picked up from local shops and pubs.

Day three: 24 Miles, 3,100ft.

Taking in: Gomshall, Dorking, Reigate, Merstham.

The hardest day – Sore feet, blisters like waterbeds and knee problems.  This was a very long and very slow day. By 8pm we still had over nine miles to go. We finally arrived at our final destination at 1am.

Day four: 23 Miles, 2,300ft.

Walking through Oxted, Westerham, Otford, Kemsing, Wrotham and finishing on the edge of Trosley Country Park.

A softer day on the feet with less tarmac and more kind paths. We also had our first human interaction when family came to visit us at a stop off, bringing sweets with them. They stayed fairly downwind of us, because with each passing mile the smell increased.

Day five: 25 Miles, 1,800ft

Halling, Peter’s Village, Aylesford, Detling, Harrietsham, Lenham and Charing.

We were starting to feel we were well on our way to finishing with less aches and pains although we were very careful about foot placement.

Day six: 18 Miles, 1,500ft

Boughton Lees, Chilham, Old Wives Lees, Chartam Hatch and Canterbury.

The final day started early so we could take a much needed stop at my Nan’s house. The six days of hard walking and only managing five hours sleep per night was really starting to take its toll emotionally and physically. After leaving Nan’s house we pushed the final six miles to Canterbury Cathedral where we were met by a wonderful crowd of people consisting of spouses, children, family, friends… and the much missed dogs.

This walk was always designed to be difficult and it didn’t disappoint. With approximately 341,835 steps being taken and over one third of the route being on metaled road which bruised the bottoms of the feet and put a lot of blisters and strain on the heels. A large part of the route was on grass/rough track and ensured that the balls of the feet and the toes didn’t miss their chance to blister. With regular sock changes and stops to tape feet up, eat and top up water eating away at daylight a large number of miles were walked in the dark despite the time of year.

We were also fortunate to meet some very friendly, helpful and unexpected people en route.

Navigation carried out using a good old fashioned map and compass was on point, with the Cicerone guide book to assist us through towns, or when the route was unclear on the map, only three or four occasions caused us to revert to electronic navigation aids. The entire route was planned and printed from The Ordinate Survey App. The subscription and printing costs were covered by some friendly local sponsors.

Andrew and James answer your questions…

What did you learn from the walk?

James: Despite spending a lifetime in boots from the Army and a career in the construction industry, there are much better modern alternatives available that I will be exploring for whatever comes next.

Andrew: At 59 years of age I need to realise that having the mindset of someone in their late teens or early 20’s does not really assist in such a gruelling task. However, sheer grit, determination, stubbornness and a willingness to carry on despite physical pain, injury and fatigue is sometimes all you need. That and a good training regime, support of my fellow traveller and a common bond in knowing that what we were doing was for the benefit of so many others helped in overcoming whatever discomforts we experienced.

What did you most enjoy?

James: I’ve always really enjoyed physical challenges and using maps so I would say the hills and the navigation were my favourite bits, aside of getting to spend six days with my dad.

Andrew: The time with James was priceless. Walking along The Mercery towards Canterbury Cathedral and seeing loved ones and friends, and having the sense of accomplishment was both emotional and satisfying. Not least because we had achieved what we set out to do. Not only as father and son but as Brothers.

What did it achieve?

The walk raised over £10,000 for the West Kent 2026 Festival. This could not have been achieved without the love, support and generosity of so many of you. Thank you for everything. Especially in such difficult times. Your contributions will make huge difference to those in need.

What is next?

Another 140 mile walk is already in the planning stages for 2023.  The Wessex Ridgeway from Marlborough, Wiltshire to Lyme Regis, Dorset. Andrew and James also intend to raise money for the MCF during this walk.

Why the MCF?

James: With so much need in the world at the moment having a dedicated professional charity dealing with life issues, cutting edge technology in medicine, life saving equipment and genuine human kindness – the MCF was the only choice for a one stop charity to help as many people as possible.

Andrew: When you know all of the good that they do especially in individual Provinces as well as nationally, internationally and for individual Freemasons and their dependents when times are tough, how could this not be the charity of choice?

Have you completed a fundraising challenge to raise money for a Festival in your Province? We would love to know more about it! Share your story with us by emailing communications@mcf.org.uk

Find out more about Festivals and appeals