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.
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.
Putting Down Routes – Folkestone to Dover with ESEA Outdoors UK25th January 2025, 09:30amIn a collaboration between the Putting Down Routes team and ESEA Outdoors UK, we are offering an amazing gentle paced clifftop walk from Folkestone to Dover in… Dover, FolkestoneSave Putting Down Routes – Folkestone to Dover with ESEA Outdoors UK to favourites
Putting Down Routes – Otford Loop with Every Body Outdoors8th February 2025, 11am - 12:30pmIn a collaboration between the Putting Down Routes team and Every Body Outdoors, we are delighted to announce a gentle, circular walk around Otford in the Kent Downs… OtfordSave Putting Down Routes – Otford Loop with Every Body Outdoors to favourites
Putting Down Routes – Nature Walk With Black Girls Hike & Maymana Arefin22nd February 2025, 12pm- 3pmThe Putting Down Routes team and project partner Black Girls Hike are delighted to offer a scenic walk in Surrey.Save Putting Down Routes – Nature Walk With Black Girls Hike & Maymana Arefin to favourites
Between the Lines: Chalk, Fossils and Zines1st February 2025, 1.30pm to 4pmBetween the Lines: Chalk, Fossils and Zines is a fascinating history and art workshop. Join historian and writer, Sarah Newman, and artist Nicole Mollett, for… ShorehamSave Between the Lines: Chalk, Fossils and Zines to favouritesWalking 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
