North Downs Way
Start: Farnham
Distance: 153 miles / 246km
Terrain: Quiet roads, traffic free
Bike Types: Mountain bikes, Hybrid, Gravel bike
Grading: Moderate / Challenging
The North Downs Way National Trail is 153 mile trail through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs. It can be walked or cycled. The cycle route for the North Downs Way starts from Farnham in Surrey to Dover. The cycle route links together bridleways, byways and quiet roads to create a complete rideable continuous cycle trail. For a relatively experienced cyclist the trail should take 2-3 days but it can be broken down into sections (see below). Its a fairly challenging route with some challenging hills but less experienced cyclists can tackle some of the easier sections.
The trail is fairly quiet and almost traffic free and is ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes or hybrids. The Surrey section has some steep climbs/decents and tracks whilst the other parts is mostly quiet lanes. Although this is an all year round route some of the trails sections can get muddy in winter. Along the route you will see castles, pretty villages of of course cycle through areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Part of the trail follows the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
North Downs Way sections are as follows.
Section 1 – Farnham to Oxted (48.8m/78.6km)
This section takes the rider through the Surrey Hills which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are some steep climbs on this section inlcuding the famous Box Hill. The Via Francigena pilgrimage is followed from Way Merstham to Oxted. There are plenty of places for refreshments along the way and a railway station at Oxted.
Section 2 – Oxted to Wye (64m/103km)
This section goes through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with plenty of wonderful countryside and things to see along the way imcluding the home of Winston Churchill, Chartwell. This section chas some easier sections for family/beginner rides. The section finishes in the village of Wye.
Section 3 – East Kent loop – Wye, Canterbury, Dover (55.6m/89.5km)
Section 3 leaves Wye and heads across the downs towards Cantebury which is a good place for an overnight stop. This section uses part of the Pilgrim’s Cycle Trail. On leaving Canterbury the route once again makes use of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. From here the route follows a Roman road to Dover to the White Cliffs. From here the route turns inland back to Wye. At various points along this section, there are opportunities to pick up the Cantii Way.
Section 3a – Alternative Wye to Canterbury route (10.4m/16.8km)
This alternative route gives riders an easier option by making use of National Cycle Route 18 which follows the River Stour which has less severe climbs and better surfaces.
The North Downs Way is a great bike packing route. There is plenty of accommodation along the route and lots of campsites but booking in advance is recommended during the summer. There are also plenty of cafes and pubs along the way for refreshments and possibliy e-bike charging. Each sections of the The North Downs Way could be easily ridden as a day ride as there are railway stations close the the start and end of each section.
Ensure you carry spares for any roadside repairs, and check our guide to cycle shops
in Surrey and Kent for servicing, parts and emergency repairs along the route.
North Downs Way Route Map & GPX
Download the North Downs GPX route here.
North Downs Way Accommodation
Waggoners Campsite, Farnham. Compostable toilets, woodland showers, washhuts, firepits and logs, woodland trails.
Springbok Estate campsite, Alfold. Spacious pitches at a 260-acre Surrey estate near Cranleigh. A 15-minute drive to Winkworth Arboretum; 40 minutes to the coast. Fishing and social club on site.
Laleham Campsite Chertsey. FREE use of hot water, showers, shaver points, hairdryer and clothes iron points. Also washing and drying machines. Tokens for these can be obtained from the wardens.
Ichi Coo Park, Charlwood. There are Aire parking facilities for up to five Motorhomes and provision for camping, too.
Etherley Farm, Dorking. Produce shop. We have converted one of our farm building into permanent toilets and showers and have outdoor washing up sinks with hot water.
Norwood Farm Camping & Caravan Park, Romney Marsh. Norwood Farm has comfortable and spacious plots and newly built wash room with free hot shower facilities. Also including fridge freezers, kitchen usage and laundry equipment.
Cycle shops in Kent for repairs, servicing and spares.
Cycle shops in Surrey for repairs, servicing and spares.
