North Downs Way
Description
- Name North Downs Way
- Length of trail 246 km, 153 miles
- Length in days 12 days
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
National Trail
Hiking the North Downs Way you can feel all alone. This chain of limestone hills is never far from the larger population centers in Kent, eastern England. But walking these wooded hills, you will enjoy a serene peace that you would rather expect in sparsely populated areas far north.
The special limestone grasslands on these soils are rich in flowers and insects. There is much variation in forest types. In the valleys lie the villages and the odd buildings which is so special about the English.
The North Downs start at the coast, at Dover. From the white cliffs, the hills stretch eastward, south from London. The 153 miles, 246 km long path starts with a circular leg, near Dover, allowing you to visit Canterbury. The southern semi-circle runs close to the coastline, so you can enjoy the sea for a day or two.
The North Downs Way has the status of National Trail, which adds to its popularity. This, in its turn, has a positive effect on the availability of accommodation.
Opinions

- Aaron Barnes August 2004
- Rate 7
- Positive Despite being close to London and in the heart of commuter country this is a very under used trail, apart from one or two "honeypot" sites. Delightfully rural, despite a perception that it will be quite urban in places. Plenty of history on the way (WW2, Castles, even Barrows) not to mention a visit to Canterbury and a walk along the chalk cliffs at Dover. Very underated trail.
- Negative Suffers from fly tipping at many road crossing unfortunately, but don't let that put you off. Runs parallel with the M25 for quite a distance, although this isn't as imposing as it might seem. Sections share the Pilgrims Way, and at times this can be a little boring. If doing the Canterbury loop though, the route from C/bry to Dover is nothing special. These are minor points; it's a great walk
Map
Links
Facts
- E2: North Downs to Dover
This is Andrew Stephenson excellent diary, on his walk on the UK E2.
- Home - North Downs Way - National Trails
National Trails page.
- Map of the North Downs Way
This is a map of the North Downs way in two mile sections. Odd sections are red, even sections are orange.
- North Downs Way
This is Kent County's introduction to the trail.
- North Downs Way - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- North Downs Way Long Distance Path Directory
Info by The Walking Englishmen
- North Downs Way National Trail - LDWA Long Distance Paths
- North Downs Way on AboutBritain.com
Sectionwise description by AboutBritain.com
- Ramblers | N | North Downs Way National Trail
Reports
- North Downs Way
Stephen and Lucy's tale. They started in 2007 and finished in may 2009.
- North Downs Way: Leg 1 Farnham to Newlands Corner (Sunday 14th April 2007)
Blogstyle report. North Downs Way in 11 legs. By Anne ‘Walkit’, who got together a group of enthousiastic walkers in 2007 to join her. Lots of reading and viewing pictures.
- The North Downs Way
Detailed notes on British Walks.
- Kev and Liz's North Downs Way Diary
Report by Kevan and Liz. A walk in 2006, returning every weekend. Including a large photo gallery.
- Kev and Liz's South Downs Way Diary
Returning every weekend, they completed this path in a random order.
- North Downs Way
Annierak's report
- THE NORTH DOWNS WAY INDEX - BERTUCHI.CO.UK
Hiking report by Tim Bertuchi
- Very windy and rainy on the North Downs Way
Blog by Lavinia and Steve Burch
- Walking With Chaucer -- Going Solo on England's North Downs Way
A "Solo Travel Report" by Bob Barton
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books

United Kingdom
- North Downs Way (Trailblazer British Walking Guides): 80 Large-Scale Walking Maps & Guides to 45 Towns & Villages - Planning, Places to Stay, Places to Eat - Farnham to Dover via Canterbury (Trailblazer British Walking Guides)
- Practical guide to walking the North Downs Way National Trail that runs from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent, partly following the old Pilgrims` Way to the shrine of St Thomas a Becket at Canterbury. It winds its way through the protected landscape of the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs, passing medieval churches, castles, Neolithic burial... Read more

United Kingdom
2014
- Kent Walking
- Accomplished walker Kev Reynolds’ Cicerone guide to Walking in Kent is a comprehensive account of some of the county’s finest walking routes. The guide covers the entirety of the county, from the Eden Valley walk to coastal ramble near Dover and on the Isle of Sheppey. There is an outline of routes such as the North Downs Way and the Wealdway,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Canterbury, East Kent, Dover & Margate OS Landranger Active Map 179 (waterproof)
- Eastern Kent with Canterbury, Dover and Margate, including sections of the North Downs Way and the E2 and E9 European Long-Distance Paths, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 179 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Dorking, Reigate, Crawley & Horsham OS Landranger Map 187 (paper)
- Dorking and Reigate area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 187 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map, each... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Thames Estuary, Rochester & Southend-on-Sea OS Landranger Active Map 178 (waterproof)
- Thames Estuary with Rochester and Southend-on-Sea, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-Distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 178 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Maidstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge OS Landranger Map 188 (paper)
- Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and the High Weald area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 188 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Dorking, Reigate, Crawley & Horsham OS Landranger Active Map 187 (waterproof)
- Dorking and Reigate area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 187 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Canterbury, East Kent, Dover & Margate OS Landranger Map 179 (paper)
- Eastern Kent with Canterbury, Dover and Margate, including sections of the North Downs Way and the E2 and E9 European Long-Distance Paths, on a paper version of map No. 179 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Maidstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge OS Landranger Active Map 188 (waterproof)
- Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and the High Weald area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 188 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Aldershot, Guildford, Camberley & Haslemere OS Landranger Map 186 (paper)
- Aldershot and Guildford area, including the northern part of the South Downs National Park and a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 186 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Ashford, Romney Marsh, Rye & Folkestone OS Landranger Active Map 189 (waterproof)
- Ashford and Romney Marsh area, including sections of the North Downs Way and the E9 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 189 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Thames Estuary, Rochester & Southend-on-Sea OS Landranger Map 178 (paper)
- Thames Estuary with Rochester and Southend-on-Sea, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-Distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 178 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Ashford, Romney Marsh, Rye & Folkestone OS Landranger Map 189 (paper)
- Ashford and Romney Marsh area, including sections of the North Downs Way and the E9 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 189 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map,... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Aldershot, Guildford, Camberley & Haslemere OS Landranger Active Map 186 (waterproof)
- Aldershot and Guildford area, including the northern part of the South Downs National Park and a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 186 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
2016
- North Downs Way: National Trail Guide
- North Downs Way, a 245-km/153 mile route from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent via Canterbury or via Folkestone, in a series of walking guides to the National Trails in England and Wales with colour extracts from the Ordnance Survey`s Explorer series at 1:25,000 showing points along the route cross-referenced to the text. The maps also... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
2016
- North Downs Way
- The official guide to this superb National Trail, published in conjunction with Walk Unlimited. Whether you're an experienced long distance walker or a weekend stroller, this is the only companion you need. The North Downs Way is the National Trail that follows the official acorn waymarks from Farnham to the coast at Dover. This picturesque... Read more

Belgium
2016
- North Downs Way
- The official guide to this superb National Trail, published in conjunction with Walk Unlimited. Whether you're an experienced long distance walker or a weekend stroller, this is the only companion you need. The North Downs Way is the National Trail that follows the official acorn waymarks from Farnham to the coast at Dover. This picturesque... Read more

Netherlands
2016
- Wandelgids North Downs Way national trail | Aurum Press
- North Downs Way Read more
Maps

United Kingdom
- North Downs Way Adventure Atlas
- North Downs Way Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The route from Farnham to Dover is presented with the alternative final sections, either via Canterbury or via Folkestone. To see other titles in this series... Read more

United Kingdom
- North Downs Way Harvey National Trail XT40
- The whole of the North Downs Way, a 246km / 153 miles National Trail between Dover and Farnham, on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map at 1:40,000 from Harvey Map Services presenting the route accompanied by extensive additional tourist information. This new edition published in autumn 2013 replaces the publishers’ previous coverage of... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart North Downs Way | Harvey Maps
- The whole of the North Downs Way, a 246km / 153 miles National Trail between Dover and Farnham, on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map at 1:40,000 from Harvey Map Services presenting the route accompanied by extensive additional tourist information. This new edition published in autumn 2013 replaces the publishers Read more

United Kingdom
- Dorking & Reigate - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 187
- Purchase the Dorking and Reigate folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more

United Kingdom
- Mallaig & Glenfinnan - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 40
- Purchase the Mallaig and Glenfinnan folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more

United Kingdom
- England Coast Path Adventure Map - Minehead to Brean Down
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Minehead to Brean Down Adventure Map covers a 58 mile (93km) section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast.... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Adventure Atlas Minehead to Brean Down - England Coast Path | A-Z
- Gedetailleerde wandelkaart van een gedeelte van het England Coast Path. The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors. This official* Minehead to Brean Down Adventure Map covers a 58 mile (93km)... Read more

United Kingdom
- Thames Estuary - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 178
- Purchase the Thames Estuary folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more

United Kingdom
- Aldershot & Guildford - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 186
- Buy Aldershot and Guildford OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more

United Kingdom
- Canterbury & East Kent - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 179
- Purchase the Canterbury and East Kent folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more

United Kingdom
- England Coast Path - Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium

Netherlands
- England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more

Belgium
- England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more

United Kingdom
- East London - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 177
- Buy East London OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more

United Kingdom
- Ashford & Romney Marsh - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 189
- Purchase the Ashford and Romney Marsh folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more

United Kingdom
- England Coast Path - Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium

Netherlands
- England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more

Belgium
- England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more

United Kingdom
- East London - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 177
- Buy East London OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more

United Kingdom
- West London - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 176
- Buy West London OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more

United Kingdom
- The Black Mountains - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 161
- Purchase the The Black Mountains folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more