The North Downs Way

The North Downs Way runs for about 201km from Farnham to Dover, or 211km if you take the alternative route via Canterbury, making 253 km in total if you walk both routes.

The National Trail was opened in 1978, and largely follows the escarpment of the North Downs, with parts following the Pilgrims Way. The essence of the route has been in use for cross-country trading for about 10 000 years, until 5 000 years ago continuing across what is now the English Channel into France. There remains much woodland and some rare wildlife on the downs, and despite its proximity to the M25, M26 and M20, manages to find some fairly peaceful spots in crowded southeast England.

My walks on the North Downs Way

Date From / to Distance on path   Approx time Colour

Total walked so far: 253 km (completed) - all 201 km of the National Trail main line plus the 52 km of the Canterbury loop

Home Up Angles Way Capital Ring Chiltern Chain Walk Hertfordshire Chain Isle of Wight Coast Path Lea Valley Walk London Loop Mid-Suffolk Footpath New River Path Norfolk Coast Path North Downs Way Peddars Way Ridgeway South West Coast Stour & Orwell Walk Stour Valley Path Suffolk Coast Path Thames Path Yorkshire Wolds Way