Save North Downs Way National Trail to favourites

Come and explore the North Downs Way National Trail, accessible by train. One of the most varied of all the UK National Trails, it links Farnham and Dover, on a unique and geologically important chalk ridge through both the Surrey Hill and the Kent Downs National Landscape. The trail also weaves along the famous Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury, so you can walk in the footsteps of 1000s of pilgrims from around the world.

Walking the trail is a fresh air adventure, a way to enjoy wonderful wildlife and plants, gorgeous views and fascinating traces of the people and places that make up our history. It’s 153 miles (246km) long, but you don’t need to do it all in one go – there are many different sections to explore in either direction, as well as circular walks based on the trail.

Join our Guided Walk

a group of walkers walking along a gravel path in the countryside. Image includes logos.Guided Rail Ramble Charing to HarrietshamJoin our free guided walk, funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund (FiPL). This walk will start at Charing Railway Station at 10am where…
Case StudyMeet your walk leaderTherese will be guiding the walk from Charin to Harrietsham on 21st March and is a Kent Community Rail Partnership Officer.

Discover the trail with these walks

Image of persons feet walkingCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 1 : Farnham to GuildfordEnjoy an easy introduction to the North Downs Way with peaceful and rural views and plenty to explore. FarnhamSave North Downs Way 1 : Farnham to Guildford to favourites
Image of persons feet walkingCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 2 : Guildford to DorkingExplore the Surrey Hills along the North Downs Way enjoing the popularity of Newlands Corner and chalk ridges.In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 2 : Guildford to Dorking to favourites
Image of persons feet walkingCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 3 : Dorking to MersthamA challenging section of the North Downs Way but with numerous heritage, stunning vistas and plenty of views.In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 3 : Dorking to Merstham to favourites
North Downs Way 5 - Oxted to OtfordCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 4 : Merstham to OxtedEnjoy views over the Surrey Hills and London skyline as the route traverses up and down the North Downs ridge. MersthamIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 4 : Merstham to Oxted to favourites
Stone sculpture overlooking fields in the backgroundCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 5 : Oxted to OtfordPass the Greenwich Meridian Line and ramble from Surrey into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. OxtedIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 5 : Oxted to Otford to favourites
North Downs Way 6 - Otford to CuxtonCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 6 : Otford to CuxtonRamble high up on the North Downs on this epic adventure from Otford to Cuxton. Cuxton, OtfordIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 6 : Otford to Cuxton to favourites
North Downs Way - Cuxton to DetlingWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 7 : Cuxton to DetlingWalk through a nature reserve known nationally for its wildflowers and visit a neolithic megalith older than Stonehenge. CuxtonIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 7 : Cuxton to Detling to favourites
North Downs Way - Detling to LenhamCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 8 : Detling to LenhamStroll in the footsteps of the pilgrims from Detling to Lenham. Pass the ancient Thurnham Castle remains and journey through the protected Hucking Estate. Finish… Detling, LenhamIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 8 : Detling to Lenham to favourites
North Downs Way - Lenham to WyeCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 9 : Lenham to WyeVenture on this wonderful walk high about the Kent Weald, passing an impressive Memorial Cross and stunning vineyards.In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 9 : Lenham to Wye to favourites
North Downs Way - Wye to ChilhamCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 10 : Wye to ChilhamJourney into the mighty Kings Wood with views of Canterbury Cathedral. Explore the quaint village of Chilham and its medieval history.  WyeIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 10 : Wye to Chilham to favourites
North Downs Way - Chilham to CanterburyCycling tagsRunning tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 11 : Chilham to CanterburyWalk the hallowed route taken by pilgrims for centuries, from the picturesque village of Chilham to Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury, ChilhamIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 11 : Chilham to Canterbury to favourites
North Downs Way - Canterbury to ShepherdswellCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 12 : Canterbury to ShepherdswellHead out on the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Shepherdswell on this 17km linear walk.In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 12 : Canterbury to Shepherdswell to favourites
North Downs Way : Shepherdswell to DoverCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 13 : Shepherdswell to DoverJourney along the North Downs Way chalk ridge and ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage from Shepherdswell to Dover. In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 13 : Shepherdswell to Dover to favourites
North Downs Way - Wye to FolkestoneCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 14 : Wye to FolkestoneJourney from Wye to Folkestone passing Wye Crown, Devil's Kneading Trough and admire panoramic views across the Channel.In partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 14 : Wye to Folkestone to favourites
North Downs Way : Folkestone to DoverCycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 15 : Folkestone to DoverStroll along this stunning coastline discovering the history of the Battle of Britain and the Abbotts Sound Mirror. Dover, FolkestoneIn partnership with North Downs Way National Trail logoSave North Downs Way 15 : Folkestone to Dover to favourites

Watch this video from Southeastern to see how easy it is to visit the North Downs Way National trail by train.

Watch this video from Southeastern
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Protect the North Downs Way National Trail

Panoramic view of North Downs Way CaterhamThe Countryside CodeLearn more about the Countryside Code and find out how to Respect, Protect, and Enjoy the great outdoors.Save The Countryside Code to favourites
dog walk at pegwellWalking Your Dog Safely in the CountrysideSave Walking Your Dog Safely in the Countryside to favourites

Events along the North Downs Way National Trail

a group of walkers walking along a gravel path in the countryside. Image includes logos.Walking tagsGuided Rail Ramble Charing to Harrietsham21st March 2025, 10am - 3pmHop on the train and join this free guided walk from Charing train station. CharingSave Guided Rail Ramble Charing to Harrietsham 21st March 2025 to favourites
Coastal views of North Downs WayGeoAdventures tagsGet GeoCurious tagsThe Chalk Path audio walk6th July 2024 - 31st December 2025Journey through the Deep Time of the chalk cliffs at their closest point across the Channel with this bilingual self-guided audio walk along The Chalk… FolkestoneSave The Chalk Path audio walk 6th July 2024 - 31st December 2025 to favourites
River Darent at Horton KirbyArts & Crafts tagsDarent Valley tagsFamily Fun tagsGeoAdventures tagsGet GeoCurious tagsThe Big Record: Darent Valley28th October 2024 - 31st December 2025Immerse yourself in the sounds of the Darent Valley with The Big Record: Darent Valley, an evocative audio piece by sound artist Paul Cheese. Darenth, Dartford, Eynsford, Horton Kirby, Lullingstone, Lullingstone Country Park, Otford, Sevenoaks, WesterhamSave The Big Record: Darent Valley 28th October 2024 - 31st December 2025 to favourites
Dover White Cliffs viewGeoAdventures tagsGet GeoCurious tagsWalking tagsThe Body As Data: people on the move28th October 2024 - 31st December 2025Step into a unique fusion of technology and nature with Contagion, an immersive mobile app that invites you to explore the world around you while… Dover, FolkestoneSave The Body As Data: people on the move 28th October 2024 - 31st December 2025 to favourites
Black and white picture of a fieldArts & Crafts tagsCulture & Heritage tagsGeoAdventures tagsJullieberries Grave 2025 – A Year of Celebration9th - 23rd February 2025, 6.30pmDiscover the history, myths, and creative inspirations of Julliberrie’s Grave, a 5,000-year-old long barrow in the Stour Valley. A series of free events at The… ChilhamSave Jullieberries Grave 2025 – A Year of Celebration 9th - 23rd February 2025 to favourites

Places to visit along the North Downs Way National Trail

A chalkboard attached to a railing surrounded by colourful bunting. The chalk writing says 'The Signal Box Cafe at Hollingbourne Staion. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. Dogs welcome.Hollingbourne Station Community CafeHollingbourne Station is home to the Signal Box Café. This community-run café was previously the former ticket officer and booking hall and had remained unused…
Westwell vineyards in winterWestwell VineyardAs you walk along the trail from Wye in the direction of Charing you will spot the Westwell Vineyard to your right, just on the…
Female taking a selfie with Percy the Pilgrim, a statue on the benchPercy the PilgrimPercy the Pilgrim is a charming figure you'll encounter on the North Downs Way. This delightful statue is perched above Harrietsham and has become a…
The Lenham Cross, a white chalk cross carved out in the fieldLenham Memorial CrossThe Lenham Memorial Cross is dedicated to the lives lost on the First and Second World Wars.

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