North Downs Way

The North Downs Way is another of England’s captivating National Trails, offering a beautiful and historically rich walking experience. Stretching approximately 153 miles (246 km) from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent, it traverses the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing a path through some of the most scenic landscapes in southeast England.

Key Features of the North Downs Way

1. Length: Around 153 miles (246 kilometers).
2. Start and End Points: Farnham, Surrey to Dover, Kent, with an alternative loop via Canterbury.
3. Terrain: The trail includes chalk downs, woodland paths, and some country lanes.
4. Typical Duration: Most walkers complete the entire trail in about 12 to 14 days, though it is also popular for shorter day hikes and weekend breaks.

Highlights of the North Downs Way

• Box Hill: Known for its breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and popular with both locals and visitors.
• Guildford and Canterbury: Both cities are rich in history and culture, with Canterbury being a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the famous Canterbury Cathedral.
• St Martha’s Hill: Offers stunning panoramic views and is home to the 12th-century St Martha’s Church.
• The White Cliffs of Dover: Iconic symbols of Britain offering dramatic views over the English Channel.
• Dover Castle: A historic fortress with extensive wartime tunnels.

Planning Your Walk

• Accommodation: There are numerous accommodation options along the route, including guesthouses, B&Bs, and campsites. Advance booking is advisable, especially in the busier summer months.
• Transport: Both Farnham and Dover, as well as many other towns along the route, are accessible by train, making it easy to plan start and end points. Public transportation can also facilitate walking the trail in shorter segments.
• Supplies: While there are plenty of towns and villages along the way to pick up supplies, some stretches are more isolated than others, so carrying sufficient water and food is advisable.
• Waymarking: The trail is well marked with the acorn symbols typical of National Trails. Even so, carrying a map or GPS is recommended for safety and to explore off-path detours.
• Weather and Clothing: The English weather can be unpredictable; waterproof clothing and layered options are essential. Durable walking boots are recommended as some trail sections can be uneven and muddy.

Tips for Walking the North Downs Way

• Prepare Physically: Some sections of the trail involve steep climbs and long distances, so physical preparation can make the experience more enjoyable.
• Leave No Trace: Be mindful of the environment, stick to the trails, and carry out all your rubbish.
• Safety: Always inform someone of your plans and expected return, especially when tackling more isolated sections.
• Local Highlights: The route is dotted with historical sites, vineyards, and traditional pubs. Take time to explore these local attractions; they provide a wonderful insight into the local heritage and culture.

North Downs Way via Canterbury Map

North Downs Way via Canterbury Interactive Map

North Downs Way via Etchinghill Map

Map – North Downs Way via Etchinghill

North Downs Way via Etchinghill Interactive Map

Route map for North Downs Way by Walking Rambler on plotaroute.com

15 Day Walking – North Downs Way via Canterbury

Stage	Start Point	End Point	Distance (miles)	Ascend (feet)
Day 1	Farnham, Surrey	Guildford, Surrey
Day 2	Guildford, Surrey	Gomshall, Surrey	8.6	988
Day 3	Gomshall, Surrey	Westhumble, Surrey	8	827
Day 4	Westhumble, Surrey	Mersham, Surrey	11.3	1512
Day 5	Mersham, Surrey	Oxted, Surrey	10.2	1171
Day 6	Oxted, Surrey	Dunston	12.9	1224
Day 7	Dunston	Wrotham, Kent	6	833
Day 8	Wrotham, Kent	Cuxton, Kent	10.2	935
Day 9	Cuxton, Kent	Boxley, Kent	10
Day 10	Boxley, Kent	Hollingbourne, Kent	7
Day 11	Hollingbourne, Kent	Charing, Kent	8
Day 12	Charing, Kent	Wye, Kent	7
Day 13	Wye, Kent	Canterbury, Kent	14
Day 14	Canterbury, Kent	Shepherdswell, Kent	10
Day 15	Shepherdswell, Kent	Dover, Kent	8.5

14 Day Walking – North Downs Way via Etchinghill

Stage	Start Point	End Point	Distance (miles)	Ascend (feet)
Day 1	Farnham, Surrey	Guildford, Surrey
Day 2	Guildford, Surrey	Gomshall, Surrey	8.6	988
Day 3	Gomshall, Surrey	Westhumble, Surrey	8	827
Day 4	Westhumble, Surrey	Mersham, Surrey	11.3	1512
Day 5	Mersham, Surrey	Oxted, Surrey	10.2	1171
Day 6	Oxted, Surrey	Dunston	12.9	1224
Day 7	Dunston	Wrotham, Kent	6	833
Day 8	Wrotham, Kent	Cuxton, Kent	10.2	935
Day 9	Cuxton, Kent	Boxley, Kent	10
Day 10	Boxley, Kent	Hollingbourne, Kent	7
Day 11	Hollingbourne, Kent	Charing, Kent	8
Day 12	Charing, Kent	Wye, Kent	7
Day 13	Wye, Kent	Etchinghill, Kent	11.25
Day 14	Etchinghill, Kent	Dover, Kent	12

OS Map Required for North Downs Way

North Downs Way Related Books

Title	Categories	Tags
Littleton via Losely Park and North Downs Way	Guildford, Surrey	3 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Cuxton to Otford North Downs Way	Kent, Rochester	16 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way Lenham To Boughton Lees	Kent, Maidstone	8 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Capel via North Downs Way and Coast Path	Folkestone, Kent	16 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Shepherdswell to Canterbury via North Downs Way	Dover, Kent	11 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Dover to Shepherdswell via North Downs Way	Dover, Kent	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Canterbury to Dunn Street via North Downs Way	Canterbury, Kent	17 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Boxeley via North Downs Way	Boxley, Kent	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Tut Hill To Canterbury via North Downs Way	Ashford, Devon	16 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Kings Wood To Howfield Wood Via North Downs Way	Ashford, Devon	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Etchinghill to Dover via North Downs Way	Dover, Etchinghill, Kent	12 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Wye to Etchinghill via North Downs Way	Etchinghill, Kent, Wye	12 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
Charing to Wye – North Downs Way – 7.4 Mile Walk	Charing, Kent, Wye	12 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Hollingbourne to Charing – 9.6 Mile Circular Walk	Charing, Hollingbourne, Kent	12 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Boxley to Hollingbourne – 6.2 Mile Walk	Boxley, Hollingbourne, Kent	11 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Cuxton to Boxley – 13.1 Mile Walk	Boxley, Cuxton, Kent	12 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Wrotham to Cuxton – 10.2 Mile Walk	Cuxton, England, Kent, Wrotham	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Dunton Green to Wrotham – 6 Mile Walk	Dunton Green, England, Kent, Wrotham	6 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Oxted to Dunton Green – 13 Mile Walk	Dunton Green, England, Oxted, Surrey	11 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Merstham to Oxted – 10.2 Mile Walk	Merstham, Oxted, Surrey	11 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Westhumble to Merstham – 11.3 Mile Walk	England, Merstham, Surrey, Westhumble	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Gomshall to Westhumble – 8 Mile Walk	England, Gomsall, Surrey, Westhumble	8 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Guildford to Gomshall – 8.6 Mile Walk	England, Gomsall, Guildford, Surrey	8 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Canterbury to Shepherdswell	England	North Downs Way
Shepherdswell to Dover via North Downs Way	Dover, England, Kent	9 Mile Walks, North Downs Way
North Downs Way – Farnham to Guildford – 10.76 Mile Walk	England, Farnham, Guildford, Surrey	10 Mile Walks, North Downs Way