North Downs Way – Canterbury to Shepherdswell

Our eleventh leg of the North Downs Way Adventure begins in the historic town of Canterbury. Home of the Cantiaci tribe, part Roman, sieged by the Vikings, birthplace of Christianity in England, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury and so much more. This part of the route is one not to be missed for those who enjoy a combination of history and outstanding views. It is also the start of the pilgrim route to Rome from Canterbury named the Via Francigena. We start our journey where we left off on part 10, at Canterbury West Station and walk through the historic city centre including past the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral before heading past the remains of St Augustine’s Abbey before heading out into open countryside.

Along the trail we will pass the picturesque village of Bekesbourne and Higham Park, the home of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. On this section (and the next), you will see more history than possibly anywhere else in England. We finish our trail in Shepherdswell / Sibertswold. For those wishing to stay over and complete both sections 11 and 12, there will be an option of Camping in Womenswold. This will reduce section 10 and increase section 11 by 5km. 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 Canterbury East Station and Shepherdswell which is approximately 25 minutes. Canterbury East is approximately a 20-minute walk from Canterbury West station. We will be stopping for a bring your own picnic lunch at around mid-day.

Meeting time – 8:15am for a 08:30hrs prompt start*

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

Meeting location – Canterbury West Station CT2 8AN Canterbury West Station has a variety of parking options including a multistorey car park. There is very little to no on street parking in the area.

Terrain – the trail slowly makes its way up but is not overly challenging.

Distance – Canterbury – Womenswold 11miles / 17.88km (or) shepherdswell 13 miles /21km

Walking time – 8 hours walking (with a bring-your -own lunch stop)

what 3 Words – ///blast.under.feast

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).