North Downs Way

A self-guided walking holiday through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs, from Farnham to Dover.

3 to 14 nights
19-130 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding

From £320 per person

About the trail

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.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to walk the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

North Downs Way via Canterbury

11 to 14 nights
130 miles
Moderate+
From £1,165 per person
A walk from Farnham to Dover through the Kent Downs via the culturally rich city of Canterbury.Find Out More

North Downs Way via Folkestone

11 to 13 nights
123 miles
Moderate+
From £1,165 per person
A walk from Farnham to Dover via the coastal town of Folkestone and the White Cliffs of Dover.Find Out More

North Downs Way - West Section

7 to 8 nights
70 miles
Moderate+
From £740 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Farnham to Rochester through the Surrey Hills.Find Out More

North Downs Way - East Section via Canterbury

5 to 7 nights
60 miles
Moderate+
From £530 per person
A walk from Rochester to Dover through the Kent Downs via the culturally rich city of Canterbury.Find Out More

North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone

5 to 6 nights
53 miles
Moderate+
From £530 per person
A walk from Rochester to Dover through the Kent Downs via Folkestone and the White Cliffs of Dover.Find Out More

North Downs Short Break

3 nights
19 miles
Moderate
From £320 per person
A short walking holiday from Canterbury to Dover through the culturally rich landscape of Kent.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the North Downs Way

“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
“Well, I enjoyed all of it… It's great to know that I can always contact someone if things don't go to plan and it will be sorted out.”
Ms Breese, Germany
“Holiday full with sun and beautiful landscapes.”
Mr Ischer, Switzerland
“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
“Accommodations were very good, quite satisfactory. All the innkeepers were friendly and helpful.”
Mr Wolf, USA
“We love walking. We love walking in England. In general, we've been pleased with Contours and appreciate everything that's done for walkers.”
Mr Oberwetter, USA