ITINERARY
DAY 1 - CUXTON TO DETLING
This 11.9-mile stretch of the North Downs Way takes you from the charming village of Cuxton into the serene Kentish countryside. The route features a delightful mix of open fields, woodlands, and quiet villages, providing peaceful views throughout your journey. You’ll pass through the picturesque village of Aylesford, known for its medieval bridge, before arriving in Detling, a quaint village with rich historical charm. This enjoyable and moderately challenging walk offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and stunning landscapes.
DAY 2 -DETLING TO LENHAM
This scenic 9-mile stretch of the North Downs Way takes you from the historic village of Detling to the charming town of Lenham. The route features rolling hills, lush woodlands, and vibrant farmland, showcasing the picturesque Kent countryside.
As you leave Detling, enjoy beautiful views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. You’ll pass through the tranquil village of Hollingbourne, perfect for a refreshing break. The trail continues through traditional farms and quaint cottages before culminating in Lenham, where you can explore its historic streets and buildings. This section offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history.
DAY 3 - LENHAM TO WYE
This scenic 9.3-mile stretch of the North Downs Way takes you from the charming town of Lenham to the historic village of Wye. The route showcases the picturesque Kent countryside, featuring rolling hills, lush woodlands, and vibrant farmland.
As you depart Lenham, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way. The trail meanders through tranquil landscapes and traditional farms, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Approaching Wye, you'll experience its rich history and stunning architecture, making it a perfect destination for exploration. This section provides a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
DAY 4 - WYE TO CANTERBURY
This scenic stretch of the North Downs Way spans approximately 14 miles, taking you from the historic village of Wye to the vibrant city of Canterbury. The route features a mix of tranquil woodlands, open fields, and picturesque countryside, providing stunning views throughout your journey.
As you leave Wye, you’ll enjoy the serene landscapes and the chance to spot local wildlife. The trail leads you through charming villages and along gently rolling hills, immersing you in the beauty of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Approaching Canterbury, you’ll be greeted by the iconic sights of the city, including its magnificent cathedral and historic streets. This final section of the walk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, culminating in the vibrant atmosphere of Canterbury.
DAY 5 - CANTERBURY TO SHEPHERDSWELL
This delightful stretch of the North Downs Way spans approximately 10 miles, taking you from the historic city of Canterbury to the charming village of Shepherdswell. The route offers a captivating mix of rolling hills, open fields, and lush woodlands, showcasing the beauty of the Kent countryside.
As you depart Canterbury, you’ll enjoy scenic views and the chance to explore the tranquil surroundings of the city’s outskirts. The trail winds through peaceful landscapes, guiding you past quaint villages and vibrant farmland.
Approaching Shepherdswell, you'll be immersed in the area's rich rural charm, with opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way. This section provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a wonderful addition to your walking adventure.
DAY 6 - SHEPHERDSWELL TO DOVER
This captivating stretch of the North Downs Way spans approximately 9 miles, taking you from the quaint village of Shepherdswell to the iconic white cliffs of Dover. The route features stunning panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and a blend of rolling hills and open fields.
As you leave Shepherdswell, you'll navigate through picturesque countryside, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings. The trail meanders toward Dover, providing breathtaking glimpses of the famous cliffs as you approach the coast.
Upon reaching Dover, you can explore its rich history, including the historic Dover Castle and the bustling waterfront. This section combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a memorable finale to your walking adventure along the North Downs Way.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation Information
Overnight in B&B’s, small hotels and guesthouses, specifically chosen to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers and traditional hospitality.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in the tour itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
This tour is available to solo walkers, although a supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request. A single supplement is also payable.
****Due to a lack of accommodation in some parts, you will likely be overnighting in nearby location with a return transfer back to starting point the following morning.
getting there
BY RAIL
Cuxton Train Station is located at the end of Station Road. The station is on the Medway Valley line that operates from Strood to Tonbridge in the Weald of Kent. It connects at each end with the main rail network, each junction offering onward journeys to London and the Kent Coast. Good connections are provided at Strood to and from High Speed services to Ebbsfleet, Stratford International and St Pancras International.
Off peak on weekdays and all day Saturdays, a half hourly service operates from Maidstone West to Strood. On Sunday an hourly service throughout applies. There is no direct train from London to Cuxton.
BY CAR
The driving distance between London to Cuxton is 31 miles via A2 and M2. Cuxton does not have parking facilities.
BY BUS
Nu-Venture operate the 151 bus service that runs through the village. This bus serves Kings Hill - West Malling - Snodland - Rochester - Chatham. There is no direct bus to Cuxton from London.