History of the North Downs Way Trail

The North Downs Way National Trail, located in southern England, offers more than just expansive vistas and views of the Surrey and Kent countryside. This ancient trail also narrates a lengthy history of human migration spanning hundreds of years. One of the UK’s most renowned and accessible National Trails, the North Downs Way officially opened in 1978 and stretches more than 153 miles (246 km) from the small village of Farnham to the historic White Cliffs of Dover. In this article, we’ll be exploring the extensive history of this trail, how it originated and where it fits within England’s increasingly urban landscape.


Long before the North Downs Way became denoted by contemporary signs and maps, these chalk hills were used by early humans as natural routes. According to archaeological evidence, prehistoric peoples may have travelled through the North Downs as early as the Neolithic era as part of networks of migration and trade. In contrast to the marshy lowlands, the higher ridgelines offered drier, more distinct paths across the terrain. Some of these ancient structures remain to this day, such as Kit’s Coty House on the Cuxton to Detling stretch of the route.

Kit’s Coty House

The Pilgrims’ Way is the most well-known ancient route connected to the trail. It is widely recognised that pilgrims from the Middle Ages used it to reach Canterbury Cathedral’s shrine to St. Thomas Becket, a fact most famously documented in Chaucer’s great satirical work, the Canterbury Tales. Much of the North Downs Way closely traces the presumed line of the original Pilgrims’ Way, especially between Guildford and Canterbury, despite historians disagreeing on its precise course. Omages and references to the Pilgrim’s Way can be found scattered across the route, from the Pilgrim’s Cross sculpture on the Farnham to Guildford leg or the carving of Brother Percival taking a much-needed rest on the Detling to Lenham portion of the route.

Pilgrim’s Cross Sculpture
Tired Brother Percival

Roman Roads and Norman Castles

Parts of the terrain surrounding the North Downs were integrated into a vast road network following the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43. Trade, military transportation, and cultural dissemination were all made easier by these routes. Numerous neighbouring communities, including Dorking and Maidstone, have Roman traces, even though the North Downs were not the primary routes for Roman transportation.

Castles and churches appeared all over the Downs after the Norman Conquest in 1066, solidifying the region’s strategic significance and human presence. We can see many of these locations close to the trail, such as Leeds Castle, Rochester Castle and the ruins of Thurnham Castle outside Detling.


National Trails

In the 20th century, maintaining public access to the countryside became a national priority. National Trails are long-distance routes created for leisure and the enjoyment of the UK’s natural beauty, as a result of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

In the 1950s, the North Downs Way was conceived as an alternative to the slightly more remote South Downs Way. With an emphasis on connecting existing rights of way and making sure the path would reflect both natural and cultural landmarks, planning and route surveying really got underway in the 1960s.

The Countryside Commission (now a part of Natural England) formally opened the North Downs Way on 30 September 1978, following nearly 20 years of planning, negotiating and building. The ceremony, conducted by the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, was held at the Wye Crown, which was a fitting venue because it perfectly captures the breathtaking views that make the trail so unforgettable.


Cultural Impact

In addition to its recreational value, the North Downs Way has been instrumental in promoting awareness of local heritage, rural economies, and land conservation. Communities are engaged and encouraged to take care of the land through events like the North Downs Way Walking Festival and educational initiatives.

The trail’s biodiversity and accessibility have also been improved in recent years. Initiatives include managing woodlands, restoring wildflower meadows, and collaborating with wildlife trusts.



The Trail Today

The North Downs Way now crosses two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Kent Downs AONB and the Surrey Hills AONB. With its multiple sections, the route provides walkers with a variety of experiences, ranging from river valleys and historic towns to chalk grasslands and forested hills.

Highlights consist of:

  • Box Hill is a National Trust property that offers expansive views of the Weald.
  • Canterbury Cathedral is a popular pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

The trail is well-liked by walkers, cyclists, trail runners, and nature lovers. The path is maintained by collaborations between volunteers, landowners, and local government agencies, and waymarking is uniform and unambiguous. If you’re interested in embarking on the route, you can check out our comprehensive guides to the different sections of the North Downs Way National Trail. We also provide information on available transport links as well as accommodation options.