National Trail · Surrey and Kent

North Downs Way

A 153-mile walk along the chalk ridge of the North Downs from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover.

153Miles

246Kilometres

12–14Days

The North Downs Way is one of England’s captivating National Trails, offering a beautiful and historically rich walking experience.

Stretching about 153 miles (246 km) from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent, it crosses the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and passes through some of the most scenic landscapes in south east England. The trail splits in Kent, with one route via Canterbury and another via Etchinghill, and both are covered below.

Terrain and Duration

Terrain: The trail includes chalk downs, woodland paths, and some country lanes.
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

Map - North Downs Way via Etchinghill — Map – North Downs Way via Etchinghill

North Downs Way via Canterbury Interactive Map

Route map for North Downs Way by Tom Pearce on plotaroute.com

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