Full Description
Walk the North Downs Way, one of England's classic long-distance National Trails, stretching 208km (130 miles) from Farnham in Surrey to Dover on the Kent coast. Following the high chalk ridges of the North Downs, this waymarked route passes through rolling countryside, historic towns, picturesque villages, and the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Whether tackling the full trail over 11-12 days or exploring it in sections, this Cicerone guidebook combines stage-by-stage route guidance, detailed mapping, practical planning advice, and cultural context to help you make the most of your walk. With gentle gradients and well-maintained paths, it is suitable for walkers of all levels, while panoramic views, historic sites, and cultural highlights ensure a rich and rewarding journey.
Step-by-step route descriptions are provided for all of the main 11 stages (12-22km), plus an optional detour to Canterbury, which continues along the ancient Pilgrim's Way trail
Suggestions on where you'll find accommodation along the route, along with public transport and refreshments, are included to help you plan your trip through the 'garden of England'
A separate 1:25,000 map booklet with the route line for the North Downs Way clearly marked is the perfect navigational tool to keep you on track without the need for multiple maps
Heritage highlights of the route are described, such as Box Hill, Coldrum Stones, Thurnham Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Shakespeare Cliff, to provide context as you walk
Advice from expert author Kev Reynolds on key decisions like when to go, how to get to the start, and which direction to walk is included
Perfect for April to October, when downland wildflowers bloom, this beginner-friendly trail passes Guildford, Otford, Wye, Chilham and Patrixbourne and is a gentler alternative to the South Downs Way, with fewer crowds and rich history from Neolithic tombs to Dickens' Kent. Your comprehensive Cicerone guidebook transforms planning into discovery across England's garden heartlands.
Contents
Introduction
The North Downs Way
Walking west to east
Where to stay
Waymarking and accessibility
When to go
Getting there - and back
Using this guide
Along the way
The North Downs Way
Stage 1 Farnham to Guildford
Stage 2 Guildford to the Mole Valley (A24)
Stage 3 Mole Valley to Merstham
Stage 4 Merstham to Westerham Hill
Stage 5 Westerham Hill to Wrotham
Stage 6 Wrotham to the Medway
Stage 7 The Medway to Detling
Stage 8 Detling to Harrietsham
Stage 9 Harrietsham to Boughton Lees
Direct Route to Dover via Wye
Stage 10 Boughton Lees to Etchinghill
Stage 11 Etchinghill to Dover
The Canterbury Loop
Stage 10a Boughton Lees to Canterbury
Stage 11a Canterbury to Shepherdswell
Stage 12a Shepherdswell to Dover
Appendix A Useful contacts
Appendix B Recommended reading
Appendix C Route summary table
