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North Downs Way

North Downs Way

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

3 to 14 nights
19-137 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £330 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 experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Routes on this trail

North Downs Way via Canterbury

North Downs Way via Canterbury

8 to 14 nights
137 miles
Moderate+
From £875 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

North Downs Way via Folkestone

8 to 13 nights
131 miles
Moderate+
From £875 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

North Downs Way - West Section

7 to 8 nights
76 miles
Moderate+
From £760 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

North Downs Way - East Section via Canterbury

5 to 7 nights
62 miles
Moderate+
From £545 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

North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone

5 to 6 nights
55 miles
Moderate+
From £545 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

North Downs Short Break

3 nights
19 miles
Moderate
From £330 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

“Spectacular scenery. Great weather. Well organised, bags delivered as promised. Very happy with Contours management and efficiency.”
Mrs Apperley, New Zealand
“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
“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
“A very enjoyable route and accommodation.”
Mr Lee, UK
“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
“Lovely countryside with excellent waymarking. Great accommodation, everything we had hoped for.”
Mrs Hoare, UK
“Holiday full with sun and beautiful landscapes.”
Mr Ischer, Switzerland
“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
“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
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