The go-to, all-in-one guide to walking the
North Downs Way, two of England’s most tranquil and scenic long-distance
trails, showcasing the beauty of North Downs Way.
The North Downs Way is a 131.6-mile (212 km) National Trail running
through southern England, linking Farnham to Dover. Part of the route
follows the historic Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury, leading walkers
through the scenic Surrey Hills and Kent Downs.
This National Trail
combines history, culture, and gentle countryside walking. Along the
route, you will pass medieval churches, castles, Neolithic burial sites,
vineyards, and remnants of WWII defences. The path is mostly gentle,
with few steep ascents or descents, making it suitable for walkers of
all abilities.
This fully re-walked and completely
updated 3rd edition Trailblazer guide is built around what Trailblazer
does best: maps that are large-scale, route-led, based on Ordnance
Survey* mapping, that you can follow directly on the trail. With walking
distances and times, accommodation, food stops and key landmarks shown
on the map itself, there is no need to switch between text, apps or
additional maps - everything you need is in one book. Ideal for those
planning their first multi-day walk and for experienced hikers, the
guide supports walkers who prefer to plan their own days rather than
follow rigid stages.
In this Trailblazer guide you’ll find:
- 80 large-scale, edited walking maps (just
under 1:20,000), with the added detail you need to walk with the book
in hand so you can walk confidently without switching between apps or
extra maps
- Unique
Trailblazer mapping features, including distances and walking times,
clear directions, tricky junctions, gradients, places to stay, places to
eat and points of interest
- Flexible
itineraries for all walkers - walk the full coast-to-coast route,
choose shorter sections, or sample the highlights. The trail can be
walked in either direction, and this guide supports both options with
clear, directional mapping
- Clear stage planning helping you judge daily distances, terrain and ascent to suit your pace
- Detailed public transport information for access to all points along the trail
- Guides
to towns and villages with practical advice for all budgets, including
cafés, pubs and restaurants, plus B&Bs, hotels, hostels, bunkhouses
and campsites
- Downloadable waypoints with GPS and what3words references, so you can navigate confidently with or without a device
Route highlights include:
- Rolling chalk hills, woodlands, and iconic downs landscapes around Dover and Dover Castle
- Picturesque villages and market towns such as Wye, Boughton Lees, and Canterbury
- Wooded trails and country paths passing through Chilham and the serene countryside around Lenham
- Historic landmarks and ruins including Reculver Towers and ancient sites scattered along the route
- The western terminus at Guildford, offering panoramic views across the Surrey Hills and the North Downs
Detailed, reliable and inspiring, this long-established and regularly
updated Trailblazer guide offers expert advice, excellent mapping, and
everything you need to enjoy North Downs Way, whether it’s your first
long-distance walk or your next great walking challenge.
*based on Ordnance Survey mapping (out-of-copyright), fully amended and updated by Trailblazer
