North Downs Way 12 : Canterbury to Shepherdswell

Starting from the gates of Canterbury Cathedral, this 17km walk follows the North Downs Way and Via Francigena into the Kent Downs.

The Via Francigena is an ancient route from Canterbury to Rome spanning 2,000km and will officially recorded by Archbishop Sergic in 990AD.

It is not long before you are walking through fields and the spires of Canterbury Cathedral have disappeared behind you. Your path soon rises on top of the chalk escarpment which the North Downs Way is famous for.

Passing through Patrixbourne and Womenswold you can choose to visit the churches here that thousands of pilgrims stopped at to reflect, pray and rest, before your journey continues.

Your walk finishes in the village of Shepherdswell where you can enjoy a scenic ride on the historic East Kent Railway.