North Downs Way

The North Downs Way runs east along the chalk escarpment of the North Downs from Farnham in Surrey to the white cliffs of Dover in Kent — close to London but surprisingly rural for much of its length. The route follows the same chalk ridge used by medieval pilgrims travelling to Canterbury Cathedral, and the Pilgrims' Way shares sections of the trail.

For trail runners it is a well-surfaced, accessible multi-day challenge typically covered in three to five days. The terrain is chalk downland throughout — mostly firm underfoot, with short grass on the open ridge tops and well-maintained paths through the wooded sections. The Surrey hills section is the hilliest; Kent becomes more rolling.

Two alternative finishes: the main route goes to Dover, passing through Canterbury; the southern route via the Pilgrims' Way reaches Folkestone. Both are worthwhile.

Farnham to Guildford (~20 km): Through the Surrey hills, Hog's Back ridge with views north and south.

Guildford to Box Hill (~35 km): Through Shere and Dorking. Box Hill (National Trust, good café) is the most visited point on the trail.

Box Hill to the M25 and Kent (~50 km): Through the Mole Gap and into Kent via Otford and Kemsing.

Canterbury/Dover section (~140 km): Gentler rolling country to Canterbury city, then the white cliffs to Dover or Folkestone.

Start: Farnham, on the main London Waterloo–Basingstoke line.

Finish: Dover or Folkestone, both with regular train services to London.

Accommodation throughout in towns and villages — Dorking, Reigate, Maidstone, Faversham, Canterbury. Well served for day-runners looking to tackle it in sections from London.

Best time: Year-round. The chalk drains quickly. Busy at weekends near Box Hill.