North Downs Way
~10 days · 125.6 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the North Downs Way is known for
The North Downs Way crosses the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs from Farnham to Dover. This whole-trail itinerary follows the direct Folkestone main line of OpenStreetMap relations 1957110 and 8127 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), excluding the Canterbury alternative; official sections are published by National Trails.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 66 ft to 2,562 ft over 125.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 38.9 mi · 31%
- Downhill 53.2 mi · 42%
- Flat 33.5 mi · 27%
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?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the North Downs Way scores 35/100, 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 take?
Most backpackers hike the North Downs Way in about 10 days (9 nights out) over its 125.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the North Downs Way?
The North Downs Way climbs roughly 12,635 ft total — about 101 ft per mile, topping out near 856 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. 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.