Railheads: North Downs Way

The North Downs Way crosses south-east England between Farnham and Dover, keeping to higher ground where possible. There is an alternative route at the east end which branches off just west of Wye and passes through Canterbury, but it is generally less interesting than the main route which passes above Folkestone.

Stations

Farnham

The route starts at Farnham station, on the south side of the town centre. It is 55km between Farnham and Westhumble.

Guildford

The route passes to the south of the town centre as it crosses the River Wey. Guildford is a major centre with all facilities for rest, refreshment and replenishment of kit.

Boxhill and Westhumble

The route returns to valley level to cross the River Mole by the famed stepping stones. Westbound, Farnham is 39km distant; to the east, it is 16km to Merstham and 49km to Otford.

Betchworth

Betchworth station is just off the route.

Merstham

Merstham is in a dip between Reigate Hill and the ridge to the south of Caterham. Westbound, Westhumble is 16km distant (55km to Farnham); eastbound, it is 33km to Otford.

Otford

Otford is the point of crossing the River Darent. Eastbound, it is 77km to Wye; westbound, it is 33km to Merstham and 49km to Westhumble.

Wye

Wye is the point on the route where the River Great Stour is crossed. Westbound, Otford is 77km distant; eastbound, it is 37km to Dover (55km by the alternative route via Canterbury).

Canterbury West

The alternative route passes Canterbury West station. The route to the west passes through pleasant countryside above the valley of the Great Stour, but the stretch between Canterbury and Dover is simply a route.

Shepherds Well

Shepherds Well station is just off the route in the village.

Dover Priory

Dover is the eastern terminus of the route. To the west, the main route reaches Wye over clifftops and high paths; to the north, there is farmland to Canterbury. Wye is 39km distant on the main route, and 55km distant on the alternative route via Canterbury.

More links

The stations above are on the route of the North Downs Way. By using bus links to and from the path, a more extensive list of stations is brought on board.