Contours Walking Holidays
Follow the chalk ridge of the North Downs through historic countryside on a 2-12 day walk, with maps, cosy accommodation, and daily luggage transfers included. This walk is rich in historic sites and gorgeous English settlements, and visits them all through downland, sandy heath, and woodland.
Contours Walking Holidays
https://www.contours.co.uk/north-downs-way
A self-guided walking holiday through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs, from Farnham to Dover.
From £320 per person
The North Downs Way National Trail follows the long chalk ridge of the North Downs through some of the most scenic and historic countryside in England. It crosses downland, sandy heath, deciduous woodland, green pastures, apple orchards and vineyards. A section of the trail even slips onto the Pilgrim’s Way, an ancient route followed by countless pilgrims on their way to pray at the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury, immortalised in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
The route is full of other historic sites, from prehistoric long barrows to a Napoleonic fort, with eight castles and three cathedrals in the mix. The local settlements, too, show their years: spot impressive Tudor carvings, half-timbered houses, and flint-walled churches as you make your way to the white cliffs and seaside views at Dover.
“Lovely countryside with excellent waymarking. Great accommodation, everything we had hoped for.”Mrs Hoare, UK
“The weather on the first day of walking from Canterbury to Shepherds Well was beautiful as was the route once we got into the countryside.”Mr Swallow, USA
“It was perfect - corresponding to the advertisement!”Mrs Schneider, Switzerland
“Accommodations were very good, quite satisfactory. All the innkeepers were friendly and helpful.”Mr Wolf, USA
“Walking so close to London was very interesting. We especially enjoyed crossing the Medway River south of Rochester along with the M2 and the Eurostar train.”Ms Schoenberg, USA
“Spectacular scenery. Great weather. Well organised, bags delivered as promised. Very happy with Contours management and efficiency.”Mrs Apperley, New Zealand
“All in all, I enjoyed my walk and was so glad that it didn't rain. All 3 accommodations were very good, but the Oast B&B was exceptional.”Ms Stubblebine, USA
“Holiday full with sun and beautiful landscapes.”Mr Ischer, Switzerland
“We felt cared for at each of the accommodations. The guidebook and maps were very helpful, the trail was usually well marked, and we never got lost.”Mr Hard, USA