Day 1 - Arrive in Farnham
Arrive at your accommodation in Farnham.
Day 2 - Farnham to Guildford
In Farnham, a large steel sign marks the official start of the North Downs Way at Hickley’s Corner on the A31. Leaving behind this busy junction, you are soon walking next to the River Wey. As you head through woodland and across open fields, take time to admire the views of Hog’s Back, before arriving in the pretty village of Puttenham. The trail then takes you past the Watts Gallery and then through the Losely Estate before reaching the River Wey again, this time on the southern edge of Guildford, where you will be staying overnight.
11 miles (18km) and 855ft (261m) of ascent.
Day 3 - Guildford to Mole Valley
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Guildford behind, head along the banks of the river Wey to rejoin the North Downs Way trail, where it crosses the river over a wooden bridge. Pass through Chantry Wood, before making your way up today’s high point at Martha’s Hill, with its lonely hilltop church and excellent views to the South. The trail then continues through woodland to Newlands Corner and Hackhurst Downs, before reaching Ranmore Common and the famous Denbies Wine Estate. You will be stopping overnight in Dorking, in the shadow of Box Hill.
13 miles (21km) and 1197ft (365m) of ascent.
Day 4 - Mole Valley to Merstham
Today’s section of the trail takes in one of its highlights: Box Hill. After crossing the river Mole, take the path that climbs to the summit of this famous beauty spot. It’s a strenuous start to the day, but the views are worth it. The path then continues with a series of ups and downs over Juniper hill, Colley Hill and Reigate Hill. It is then downhill through Gatton Park to the small town of Merstham where you will be staying the night.
10 miles (16km) and 1542ft (470m) of ascent
Day 5 - Merstham to Westerham Hill
The route soon leaves behind the busy motorway junctions and resumes along pleasant fields and woodlands, climbing onto the Downs, skirting south of Caterham, wandering through the Oxted Downs, with a steep staircase over the Oxted to London Victoria railway, before crossing the line of the Greenwich Meridian. As you arrive at Westerham Hill, you have now left the Surrey Hills behind and entered the Kent Downs. The attractive and historic small town of Westerham will be your stopping point for the night.
12 miles (19km) and 1774ft (541m) of ascent.
Day 6 - Westerham Hill to Wrotham
Once you’ve made your way back to where you left the trail yesterday at Westerham Hill, today’s section will first take you across arable farmland, skirting north of Sevenoaks, you will cross the river Darent and reach Otford, an attractive village steeped in history. But then the path quickly climbs back onto the top of the Downs, before continuing on through Rowdow Wood, before descending into the pretty village of Wrotham.
14 miles (23km) and 1449ft (442m) of ascent
Day 7 - Wrotham to the Medway
Leaving behind the village of Wrotham, the trail now heads north towards the Medway, climbing onto the chalk downs, with a lovely track taking you through Trosley Country Park. The walk then adopts the Pilgrim’s Way along the foot of the Downs, taking you over the noted viewpoint of Holly Hill and past Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve and just after that, your stopping point for today – the Medway Bridge.
10.5 miles (17km) and 1147ft (350m) of ascent
Day 8 - The Medway to Detling
Today the trail crosses the spectacular bridge over the Medway, before heading up to Blue Bell Hill and its expansive views. Once through Westfield and Boxley Woods, a steep descent takes you into Detling, where you will be staying overnight.
11.5 miles (19km) and 1417ft (432m) of ascent
Day 9 - Detling to Harrietsham
Get ready for some of the finest views on the trail. Not long after starting out, you will pass the remains of Thurnham Castle and the path opens up onto great views of the Weald, with narrow up and down paths above Hollingbourne, before ending today’s adventure at the crossroads just above Harrietsham.
8 miles (13km) and 1345ft (410m) of ascent.
Day 10 - Harrietsham to Boughton Lees
Today, the North Downs trail follows the remains of the Pilgrim’s Way with only a little height gain and loss. Skirting north of the villages of Lenham, Charing and Westwell, this section takes you through open countryside, past Eastwell Park and Lake, into the small town of Boughton Lees.
11 miles (18km) and 616ft (188m) of ascent
Day 11 - Boughton Lees to Canterbury
Shortly after leaving Boughton Lees behind, the trail heads north, passing through woodland and the lovely town of Chilham. Following the west side of the Great Stour’s valley, the route pushes on through Old Wives Lees into orchard country before arriving at Canterbury, with its cathedral dominating the skyline.
13 miles (21km) and 1164ft (355m) of ascent
Day 12 - Canterbury to Shepherdswell
Today’s section starts in the amazing and historic city of Canterbury. The trail heads through the city centre before climbing back onto the Downs, the path then descends towards the village of Patrixbourne. The rest of today’s section is mainly across fields with good views of the surrounding countryside. After crossing the railway line, you will find Shepherdswell, your overnight stop.
10.5 miles (17km) and 871ft (265m) of ascent.
Day 13 - Shepherdswell to Dover
The final stage of this adventure takes you across the agricultural landscape of the open Downs. As you wander south, the sparkle of the English Channel will appear as well as the outline of the impressive Dover Castle. Head for the seafront of Dover where a plaque on the ground marks the finish point of the North Downs Way.
9 miles (15km) and 693ft (208m) of ascent.
This is where your trip with us will end unless you have booked an extra night of accommodation.
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