The North Downs Way National Trail

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Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims. Winding through the Kent Downs and Surrey Hills National Landscapes, the North Downs Way National Trail offers you the chance to experience 153 miles of stunning scenery with a rich heritage.

The North Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails located in England and Wales. Stretching across 153 miles (245km) it passes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Kent Downs National Landscape and Surrey Hills National Landscape.

The trail is rich in pilgrim heritage and lies on a unique and geologically important chalk ridge. The route passes through many protected sites of specific scientific interest (SSSI) and is home to a number of rare species which are hard to find anywhere else in the UK. You’ll pass eight castles, three cathedrals, three archbishops’ palaces, award-winning vineyards and breweries, sculpture trails, chocolate-box villages, and plenty of cosy country pubs and cafés for pit stops. Exploring the North Downs Way is a way to enjoy wonderful wildlife and plants, gorgeous views, and fascinating traces of the people and places that make up our history.

The Kent Downs opens into rich grassland slopes which are alive with orchids and butterflies in summer. Where the trail divides visitors are offered the chance to explore two different landscapes. The northern route passes through orchards and farmland via Canterbury to Dover. The southern route continues along the Downs and ends with a dramatic coastal walk along Kent’s Heritage Coast. Across the border, the heavily wooded chalk landscape of Surrey Hills is rare, and this ancient woodland is an important habitat for wildlife.

A scenic landscape featuring a lush green valley with rolling hills covered in grass and trees. In the foreground, a prominent tree stands on the right side, its branches reaching outward. The background reveals a vast expanse of forested areas and open fields under a partly cloudy sky. The image captures the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the countryside.

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Key attractions

Well maintained and an easy-to-follow signposted route, including linear and circular walk options.

The trail is well served by public transportation.

Unique landscapes and wildlife in two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Sites of cultural and historic significance – cathedrals, ancient churches and archbishops’ palaces, as well as numerous stately homes and gardens.

Neolithic sites, Roman and Napoleonic forts, medieval castles and World War II fortifications.

The North Downs Way Art Trail – a free, open-air gallery across Kent and Surrey.

Visitor attractions, accommodation and eateries along the route.

Events along the North Downs Way National Trail

Join the Kent Downs and our partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels, on the North Downs Way National Trail, at one of these exciting Putting Down Routes events.

Accessibility tagsOutdoor Activities tagsWellbeing tagsWildlife & Nature tagsOtford and its History – a one mile accessible tour of the historic village of Otford in West Kent20th October 2025, 10.30am - 13.00pmStroll and roll along this one mile circular walk is suitable for wheeled users and includes visiting the Saxon church, remains of the Archbishop's Palace,… Otford Save Otford and its History – a one mile accessible tour of the historic village of Otford in West Kent 20th October 2025 to favourites

Outdoor Activities tagsWalking tagsPutting Down Routes – Folkestone to Dover Walk with Black Girls Hike25th October 2025, 10:30amAs part of the Putting Down Routes project, Black Girls Hike are hosting a free, unforgettable clifftop walk in Kent. Enjoy stunning views as we… Dover, Folkestone Save Putting Down Routes – Folkestone to Dover Walk with Black Girls Hike 25th October 2025 to favourites

Culture & Heritage tagsOutdoor Activities tagsWellbeing tagsAccessible Dover Castle Cross-Channel Geopark Festival Walk & Wheel8th November 2025, 10.45am - 12.15pmAn accessible walk and wheel around Dover Castle to celebrate the Cross-Channel Geopark Festival 2025 Dover Save Accessible Dover Castle Cross-Channel Geopark Festival Walk & Wheel 8th November 2025 to favourites

Geopark Festival tagsWalking tagsDover Walk – Cross Channel Geopark Festival8th November 2025, 9.15am - 2.30pmJoin Boots On Adventures for a spectacular 8-mile walk from Dover Station to the iconic Dover Castle. Dover Save Dover Walk – Cross Channel Geopark Festival 8th November 2025 to favourites

Wild With Wheels on a roll & stroll through the woods

Outdoor Activities tagsPutting Down Routes tagsWalking tagsWellbeing tagsWildlife & Nature tagsLullingstone Country Park with Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels30th October 2025, 11.00am Lullingstone Country Park Walk with Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels - learn to use photography to connect with nature along the River Darent Lullingstone Country Park Save Lullingstone Country Park with Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels 30th October 2025 to favourites

Cross carved into the chalk on a grassy bank in Lenham

Outdoor Activities tagsPutting Down Routes tagsWalking tagsWellbeing tagsWildlife & Nature tagsGuided walk from Charing to Hollingbourne, along the North Downs Way23rd November 2025, 10.00am to 16.00pmStarting at Charing this guided walk will follow the North Downs Way for 10 miles through some of Kent's finest countryside. Charing, Hollingbourne Save Guided walk from Charing to Hollingbourne, along the North Downs Way 23rd November 2025 to favourites

Walking routes along the North Downs Way

The North Downs Way full trail may be 153 miles long, but you don’t have to do it all in one go! There are 15 easily navigable sections to explore in either direction, as well as circular and linear walks too. If you’re not looking for a long-distance walk, but would still like to experience the trail, there is a superb selection of short circular walks across Kent and Surrey for you to choose from.

Group of people walking, two with sticks, on grass field with trees in the distance.

Cycling 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 Save North Downs Way 1 : Farnham to Guildford to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 2 : Guildford to DorkingExplore the Surrey Hills along the North Downs Way enjoying the popularity of Newlands Corner, chalk ridges and onwards to Denbies Vineyard Save North Downs Way 2 : Guildford to Dorking to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 3 : Dorking to MersthamA challenging section of the North Downs Way but with lots of interesting heritage sites and plenty of incredible panoramic views.Save North Downs Way 3 : Dorking to Merstham to favourites

Cycling 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 passing historic quarries and the…Save North Downs Way 4 : Merstham to Oxted to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 5 : Oxted to OtfordStroll high above the Darent Valley on top of the North Downs chalk ridge. Pass the Greenwich Meridian Line and ramble from Surrey into the…Save North Downs Way 5 : Oxted to Otford to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 6 : Otford to CuxtonRamble high up on the North Downs on this epic adventure from Otford to Cuxton, exploring nature reserves and charming villages.Save North Downs Way 6 : Otford to Cuxton to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 7 : Cuxton to DetlingWalk through a nature reserve known nationally for its wildflowers, admire one of the finest views in Kent and pass a Neolithic megalith older than…Save North Downs Way 7 : Cuxton to Detling to favourites

Cycling 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.Save North Downs Way 8 : Detling to Lenham to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 9 : Lenham to WyeVenture high above the Kent Weald, passing an impressive Memorial Cross, stunning vineyards and one of the finest fruit farms the county has to offer.Save North Downs Way 9 : Lenham to Wye to favourites

Cycling 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. Save North Downs Way 10 : Wye to Chilham to favourites

Cycling 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.Save North Downs Way 11 : Chilham to Canterbury to favourites

North Downs Way - Canterbury to Shepherdswell

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 12 : Canterbury to ShepherdswellHead out on the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Shepherdswell on this 16km linear walk.Save North Downs Way 12 : Canterbury to Shepherdswell to favourites

North Downs Way : Shepherdswell to Dover

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 13 : Shepherdswell to DoverJourney along the North Downs Way chalk ridge and ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage from Shepherdswell to Dover. Save North Downs Way 13 : Shepherdswell to Dover to favourites

Cycling 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.Save North Downs Way 14 : Wye to Folkestone to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsNorth Downs Way 15 : Folkestone to DoverWalk along the White Cliffs of Dover to Folkestone discovering wartime history, rare plants and butterflies, and incredible coastal views. Dover, Folkestone Save North Downs Way 15 : Folkestone to Dover to favourites

Walking the Pilgrims Way

In many places the trail follows the same route as the Pilgrims Way. Modern pilgrims wishing to follow in the footsteps of their medieval predecessors can combine the North Downs Way route to Canterbury with the St Swithun’s Way to recreate this historic route from Winchester to Canterbury.

For those looking to walk further afield, The Via Francigena Pilgrimage route follows the North Downs Way from Canterbury to Dover, before heading across the English Channel to France and onwards to Rome. As one of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe the route shares the same designation as the Camino de Santiago and follows in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric who made this trip in 990AD.

Find out more here

Riding routes along the North Downs Way

Take the time to explore the North Downs Way on two wheels, or four legs. Wind along this linear 169 mile/ 272 kilometer route and enjoy breathtaking scenery, an almost traffic-free route and an exhilarating ride.

✔ Suitable for mountain bikes (all year round) and gravel bikes (during summer months)
✔ Some sections suitable for horse riders – We advise horse riders to assess the routes based on their own requirements and knowledge.
✔ Some shorter sections suitable for families.
✔ Broken into easy to manage sections.
✔ GPX files and maps available to download.
✔ Cycle friendly accommodation and eateries on route.

Learn more about the North Downs Way Riders’ Route

The North Downs Way Art Trail

Did you know that there are nine sculptures dotted along the trail? Stretching from Kent to Surrey, these sustainably made sculptures allow walkers and riders to pause and soak up the scenery and local history. Highlights along this open-air gallery include otherworldly works of art, such as domes with 360-degree views and sculptural seats that reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys.

It’s time to discover The GREAT ARTdoors!

North Downs Way Ambassadors

Our trained ambassadors are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, keen to share their top tips, fascinating facts and local knowledge. Whether you’re into history, mythology, flora, fauna or folklore; there’s an ambassador for you to explore the trail with.

Find a North Downs Way ambassador

How do I get to the North Downs Way?

The trail is well situated for those who wish to access the trail via public transport, be it by rail, bus, boat or air. If visiting, we would love it if you could come by public transport and help us conserve the landscape by leaving the car at home.

The North Downs Way had great links to the rail network, with over 30 train stations along the route or very nearby. Journey times from central London take around 1 hour and 90 minutes. Get your tickets today from the Southeastern app and see the CO2 emissions you’ll save by taking the train instead of the car. Plus, there are no booking fees when you buy direct from Southeastern. For detailed rail information and tickets please see their website.

Traveline provides routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry. Kent Connected offers a journey planner for travel within Kent.

Love the Trail? Tag us in photos of your adventures on social media, using @NorthDownsWayNT, and help us show even more people the best way to enjoy our National Trails!

Supporting the local landscape
If you want to help conserve and protect our landscape for the future, please consider donating to the Kent Downs Trust.

Donate now or find out more about the trust.

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