North Downs Way – Shepherdswell to Dover

Our twelth and final leg of the North Downs Way Adventure is in the small but endearing village of Shepherdswell or Siberstwold. This part of the trail (including section 11) follows the trail of the Via Franchigena pilgrims trail which winds its way through Europe to and on to Rome. It also follows the trail that William the Conqueror as he fortified Dover, Canterbury and Rochester. His brother Odo also helped carve this area which we will see evidence of as we pass the Coldred Court Farm.

Our trail Finishes on Dover seafront. Dover is one of England’s main shipping ports which provides great views of France on a clear day as well as majestic views of Dover Castle. As you book onto this walk you will be giving the option to join our WhatsApp lift share group to allow us to lift share between stops. Please let us know if you are running late or not attending otherwise the walk will leave on time.

There are trains between Dover priory and Shepherds Well station which take approximately 15 minutes. Dover Priority station is around 10minutes walk from our finishing point. We will be stopping for a bring your own picnic lunch at around mid-day.

Meeting time – 0845hrs for a 0900hrs prompt start*

* Please note that times might slightly change to accommodate train arrivals on the day.

Meeting location – Shepherds Well Station CT15 7PD (unless staying at Womenswold) There is all day paid parking at Shepherds Well station through ‘Justpark’

Terrain – This trail is reasonably flat but starts to drop as we head into Dover.

Distance – Womenswold – Dover 13miles / 21km (or) 10 miles / 16.5km Shepherdswell

Walking time – 7 hours approx walking (with a bring-your -own lunch stop)

what 3 Words – ///flamenco.falters.travel

We will be stopping for a bring your own picnic lunch at around mid-day. Dogs are welcome if they are friendly and will go on a lead when required such as entering fields of livestock.

If we can ask everyone to bring with them:

A – Suitable footwear (strong shoes or boots preferably walking boots no Flip-flops)

B- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers?) in case of rain

C – Drinking water and a packed lunch

D – Personal medication (please make the group leader aware in confidence of any medical condition you have that may affect you in the walk no matter how small)

E- Suitable walking clothing

There might only be ‘natural’ toilets along the way (a bush).