Cycling the North Downs Way
Spanning 153 miles from Farnham to Dover, Cycling the North Downs Way allows riders of various skill levels to take in a range of breath-taking sights and famous historical landmarks. View the complete cycle route below which effectively bypasses footpath only sections, allowing for a more seamless riding experience. We’ve also detailed key information about the terrain alongside a selection of FAQs and bike repair shops along each section of the trail.
Guide to Cycling the North Downs Way
Originally, the National Trail couldn’t be cycled from end to end due to some sections being designated as footpaths. In 2018, Cycling UK collaborated with the British Horse Society and the North Downs Way trail manager to develop an alternate, bike-friendly route that still captures the spectacular sights and landmarks encountered when tackling the route on foot.
The adapted route featured above connects bridleways, byways, and quiet roads to bypass the footpath-only sections, creating a continuous trail for cyclists to enjoy whether travelling from Farnham or Dover.
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team, which maintains the North Downs Way, has also enhanced several trail sections over the years to make them more accessible for cyclists, working closely with landowners to optimise the riders’ route. With these updates, the North Downs Way has become one of England’s National Trails that can be cycled in full.
The North Downs Way trail offers a mix of terrains perfect for hardtail mountain bikes and gravel bikes. The Surrey sections of the North Downs Way Cycle Route features a selection of steep climbs, fast descents, and a mix of wooded tracks and holloways, making it a bit more rugged. It’s best suited for mountain bikes, especially if you’re planning to tackle the technical sections near Box Hill and Reigate.
As you head into Kent, the trail features less elevation gain with quiet country lanes and more gravel tracks. This makes this latter part ideal for gravel bikes and those looking for a smoother ride that won’t leave you gasping for air every few miles. However, as you approach Dover, be prepared for sandy trails, which can make for a tougher ride on anything but a mountain bike.
FAQs
Yes, you can cycle the North Downs Way. While originally a walking trail, an alternate route has been created for cyclists, connecting bridleways, byways, and quiet roads from Farnham to Dover. This allows for a route that still captures key landmarks and beauty spots without accidentally entering restricted areas such as golf clubs or private land.
It’s unlikely for most cyclists. The North Downs Way is 153 miles with varying terrain, so most riders break it into sections over several days, especially to enjoy the scenery, historic sites, and local stops along the way. If you need help with where to stay check out our page on North Downs Way Accommodation which provides top places to stay along each section of the route.
No, you don’t need a permit to cycle the North Downs Way, but stick to the GPX route highlighted above so that you stay on publicly accessible paths and bridleways.
Spring and early autumn are ideal, offering mild weather and fewer muddy sections. Summer tends to be slightly busier which can create bottlenecks on occasion. Winter can also be nice for a crisp cycle although it’s not advisable to attempt the steeper sections in Surrey if conditions are icy.
E-bikes can be used, but check your bike’s battery capacity, as charging points are limited in rural areas. Some hilly sections may also drain the battery quickly, so a spare battery or charger could be a good shout. It’s also worth mentioning that most sections don’t always pass directly through city centres making it even more unlikely to find a charging point.
Bike Repair Shops Along the North Downs Way Cycle Route
See below a selection of different bike repair shops that can be found along the North Downs Way Cycle Route. Given how rural most of the trail is it’s unlikely that you’ll find any within walking distance unless you’re lucky to be passing through a city like Guildford when something breaks.