The North Downs Way National Trail runs for 153 miles through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
From Farnham through to Dover the entire trail is steeped in history
It starts at Farnham on the Surrey Hampshire border and ends at Dover - Gateway to England. There is a loop at the end of the trail to take in the magnificent cathedral city of Canterbury. Much of the Trail follows the Pilgrims Way, the legendary route that was used by pilgrims on their way from Winchester to Canterbury to pray at the shrine of St Thomas Becket (murdered in 1170). Prior to this pilgrims would have walked the other way to pray for St Swithen, who was buried at Winchester Cathedral!
Modern day pilgrims and people simply out to enjoy some of the finest scenery in South East England now use the North Downs Way and the route takes the traveller through a rich tapestry of heritage and history.
Nature and the downs
Much of the Downs are covered with rich woodland and rare chalk grasslands
Much of the Downs are covered with rich woodland and rare chalk grasslands, which give rise to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. There are nature reserves, rare plants and butterflies - but wherever you find yourself on the Downs there will always be a new discovery or breathtaking view awaiting you around the corner.
In discovering the Downs you will fall upon typical English villages steeped in history - all of them offering a warm welcome through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs.
