North Downs Way Riders’ Route: Section 1 – Farnham to Oxted

Our famous national trail national trail is now rideable, winding through the Kent Downs and Surrey Hills National Landscapes.

Quiet and almost traffic free, our Riders’ Route is easy to follow, family friendly and – above all – absolutely beautiful. It can be broken up into easy to manage sections so you have the choice of testing your skills as a cyclist or horse rider on challenging hills, or just enjoying the scenery on a pretty family day out on two wheels or even four legs!

This section of the North Downs Way Riders’ Route winds its way through the Surrey Hills National Landscape, exploring the landscape that inspired Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and passing through woodland nature reserves, chalk grassland, and the babbling River Wye, spotting rare wildlife and fauna on the way.

This section does have a couple of steep and challenging sections, but can be taken at a leisurely pace for less experienced riders. And the jaw-dropping panoramic views from the top of the likes of Box Hill will be your well-earned reward. Take a moment to soak up the scenery at the public sculptures like Optohedron, Radius and Coccolith.

Country pubs are a-plenty on this stretch, plus this is also wine country with vineyards open to visitors for tours and tastings.

Pick up the ancient Pilgrims Way Merstham to Oxted, and take a gentle climb onto high farmland past the Victorian folly Whitehall Tower and on to the Kent Surrey border. The town of Oxted has a train station, and plenty of places for refreshment or rest so you’re ready to tackle the next section of the trail.

Head to the main North Downs Way Riders’ Route page for information on the rest of the route and alternative ways of travelling the trail.

Download the GPX map for the Farnham to Oxted section of the North Downs Way National Trail Riders’ Route.

More route options are available to download here.