North Downs Way

Chalk hills, woodland ridges, and a journey across southern England.

The North Downs Way is a long-distance National Trail running from Farnham in Surrey to Dover on the Kent coast. Following the crest of the North Downs through the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Kent Downs National Landscape, the route links chalk ridges, woodland escarpments, historic settlements, and open countryside across South East England.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Farnham, Guildford, Rochester, Canterbury, and Dover while passing ancient trackways, pilgrimage routes, vineyards, orchards, and long-established farming landscapes. Woodland paths, open downland, dry valleys, and clifftop sections create a route defined by gradual change and a strong sense of continuity between countryside, towns, and coast.

With well-maintained paths, clear waymarking, and a wide range of places to stay along the route, the North Downs Way offers one of England's most accessible long-distance trails. The journey combines landscape, history, and heritage, culminating with views across the English Channel and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Overview

Distance 153 miles / 246 km

Duration 10–12 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Farnham, Surrey

Finish Dover, Kent

Terrain Chalk ridge paths, woodland tracks, farmland, dry valleys, village lanes, and clifftop sections