North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham landscape

Photo by Kevin Bywater on Unsplash

North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham

~3 days · 34 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance34 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain3,445 ft
Gain / mile101 ft
High point768 ft
Difficulty index14/100

What the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham is known for

Sections 1–3 of North Downs Way is an official 54.7 km point-to-point section from Farnham to Merstham.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 344 ft to 2,464 ft over 34 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 13.0 mi · 39%
  • Downhill 12.4 mi · 37%
  • Flat 8.3 mi · 25%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham?

14 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham scores 14/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham take?

Most backpackers hike the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 34 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham?

The North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham climbs roughly 3,445 ft total — about 101 ft per mile, topping out near 768 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the North Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Farnham to Merstham Plan Free →