The Route
The North Downs Way is a 153-mile National Trail running from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. The Surrey section covers roughly the first 53 miles, following the chalk escarpment of the North Downs from west to east across the county. The route is waymarked with the National Trail acorn symbol throughout.
From Farnham, the trail climbs to the Hog's Back – the narrow chalk ridge between Farnham and Guildford – before passing through Puttenham and along the crest of the Downs above Guildford. It crosses the Wey valley, passes St Martha's Hill, and continues east through Newlands Corner, Ranmore Common, and Box Hill. The section from Box Hill to Reigate Hill offers some of the finest ridge walking in the south-east. Beyond Reigate, the trail continues east towards Oxted and the Kent border.
What You'll See
The North Downs Way passes through some of the best landscapes in Surrey. The chalk grassland along the ridge is rich in wildflowers and butterflies. Box Hill's summit viewpoint and the Mole Valley crossing are highlights. St Martha's hilltop church, Newlands Corner's panorama, and the views from Reigate Hill all justify their reputations.
The trail also passes through quieter sections – the long ridge between Ranmore and Box Hill, the woodland above the Mole Gap, the stretches east of Reigate where the path follows the escarpment through mixed farmland and beech hangers. Each section has a different character, but the common thread is the chalk ridge and the views south across the Weald.
Getting There
The Surrey section is well served by rail. Stations at Farnham, Guildford, Gomshall, Dorking, Box Hill, Betchworth, Reigate, Merstham, and Oxted all sit near the trail, making it straightforward to walk in day-long sections. Accommodation ranges from B&Bs and pubs to campsites. The National Trail website provides detailed route descriptions, GPX files, and accommodation listings. Most of the trail is on chalk, so it drains well and is walkable year-round.
