The path
Overall the path offers relatively easy walking, the majority of the path running along the top of the downs.
All 153 miles (246km) of path is on open, accessible and signed public rights of way or roads.
The path has been picked to offer the best views within some of the most attractive scenery in the South East.
Some sections, particularly near the M25 at Reigate, can be noisy and although 19% of the path does follow roads, 75% of these are minor lanes.
Every effort is being made to make the crossing of the main roads as safe as possible but at the moment the A252 at Charing, the A233 near Westerham and the A260 north of Folkestone do need extra care. A new footbridge over the A249 at Detling was completed in August 2002 which made one of the worst crossings of the trail safe. Beware also of traffic on the section of trail that follows the B2211 near Dunton Green in West Kent.
Overall the path offers relatively easy walking, the majority of the path running along the top of the downs.
The facilities
The entire route is waymarked with over 2,500 signs at every path junction and crossing to a standard which should not require the need for a guide book or route map
There are 10 places along the Trail where long flights of steps have been installed as a precaution to stop erosion on the sensitive chalk hills.
There are less than 80 stiles and about 250 gates and other barriers along the Trail. The number of stiles is continuing to be be decreased in favour of more accessible gates over the next few years.
There is a consistent and high quality design style and use of materials chosen to suit the character of the North Downs landscape.
The entire route is waymarked with over 2,500 aids at every path junction and crossing to a standard which means that you won't require a guide book or route map to follow the path although one is recommended. The signs are colour coded with the national path status system, with the name of the path and National Trail acorn symbol clearly marked.
The services
The route is divided into 13 manageable sections in accordance with the official guide book, practical handbook and on route information panels. On this site the sections have been combined into just 7.
There are small car parks, bus and train services at 11 of the 13 stopping points including the start and finish points. At Etchinghill and Boughton Lees there are buses and informal parking is available in the villages.
Outside of the two main towns and within a 2 mile belt of the Trail there are 204 places to stay including 52 hotels, and 111 B & B's. It was possible to walk the whole route using Youth Hostels and campsites (However there are now only 4 Youth Hostels and few campsites making a low cost option difficult) .
There are 288 pubs including 30 Shepherd Neame houses and 195 shops along the Trail outside of the main towns.
There are 56 attractions along the Trail including 8 castles, 3 cathedrals, 6 stately homes and 4 vineyards and breweries.
Litter bins can be found at access points to the Trail and are serviced regularly.
The Management
The Trail is inspected regularly by volunteer groups, particularly from the Ramblers Association. Additional condition surveys are arranged by Kent and Surrey County Councils.
Visitor Survey 2004
In 2004 a full visitor survey was carried out along the Trail. Overall results show that the average North Downs Way Trail user is likely to be :-
"A white British Male aged over 45, in full time employment and not disabled. He will have travelled less than five miles by car to spend under two hours on the trail in walking a circular route of less than five miles. He is more likely to know where he will be walking and is a regular user visiting the Trail through the year.He will visit a pub or tea-room and spend just over £6 per visit. Overall his visit lives up to expectation and he is happy with trail facilities and furniture but would like to have more information available on circular walks."
For full details of the survey results, please click on the associated download.
