Instagram story viewer> @northdownswaynt> Posts

North Downs Way

@northdownswaynt

3.2K

followers

1080

following

🗺️ 1 of 16 National Trails
📍 153 miles of paths
👣 Follow the footsteps of pilgrims through #SurreyHills and #KentDowns 💚💜
📷 Tag us #northdownsway

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

What a fantastic day celebrating two years of Putting Down Routes!

We brought together our incredible volunteers, community groups, partners, North Downs Way and Cross-Channel Geopark Ambassadors at Lenham Tithe Barn to reflect on everything we've achieved together.

The celebration was filled with inspiring stories, shared experiences, new connections and exciting conversations about the future, including the 50th anniversaries of the Kent Downs National Landscape and North Downs Way in 2028.

Putting Down Routes has shown the incredible impact of bringing together local knowledge, creativity and lived experience to make the Kent Downs more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing more of the results and learning from the project. A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. We can't wait to see what we'll achieve together next.

Read the full blog about the celebration event ➡️

www.kentdowns.org.uk/blog/2026/10/putting-down-routes-end-of-project-celebration/ 🔗in bio

#PuttingDownRoutes #NorthDownsWay #KentDowns #LandscapesForAll by @northdownswaynt

50

4

5 days ago

YHA festival of Walking from @yhaofficial Canterbury.

Led by myself and Ben from Boots On Adventures we headed out through some amazing countryside including along the North Downs Way and heading over the elephant enclosure at @howlettswildanimalpark

If you want a copy of the GPX file of the route, like, follow and comment as per the reel below.

#yhafestivalofwalking @northdownswaynt @kentdownsnl
#londonwalks #canterbury #explorekent #yhawalks @kentishtalesandtalesofkent by @northdownswaynt

19

2

7 days ago

… Putting Down Routes

To long to put all the words here, but for those who follow me on Facebook, you can read them in full in text form, or please request as a message.

For details of the Putting Down Routes project, please view this web page
https://kentdowns.org.uk/our-projects/putting-down-routes/

#kentdowns #poetry #equality #accessibility #nature by @northdownswaynt

20

1

20 days ago

Golden autumnal days are perfect for the next in our series of North Downs Way Rail Trails - the Wye Downs Circular. 🍂

This walk starts with a scenic climb along the North Downs Way National Trail from the historic village of Wye, taking in the Devil's Kneading Trough and the Wye Downs, as well as the Wye Memorial Crown - a Chalk Monument Geosite above Wye, carved in 1902 for Edward VII’s coronation, and a striking landmark, with ancient hollows nearby formed from early ironstone extraction.

The Devil’s Kneading Trough is also a Geosite; a dramatic dry valley formed by Ice Age erosion, later associated with folklore and used for military training during World War II. Today it is a protected National Nature Reserve, valued for its chalk grassland, wildlife, and far-reaching views across Kent.

Read the full route here: https://kentdowns.org.uk/activities/wye-downs-circular-north-downs-way-rail-trail/ 🔗 in bio.

#NorthDownsWay #NorthDownsWayRailTrails #KentDowns @explore_kent @se_railway #VisitKent @visitkent @kentcommunityrailpartnership @kentdownsnl

These rail trails were produced as part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project. This is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes by @northdownswaynt

14

1

a month ago

Charing to Hollingbourne is next in our series of North Downs Way Rail Trails! 🥾🚂

This is a ten mile linear route with four train stations between Charing and Hollingbourne on the North Downs Way, with options to shorten the route at Lenham or Harrietsham.

Follow the ancient Pilgrims’ Way on green lanes with gentle slopes and good surfaces. Views up to the scarp of the North Downs and across farmland on the lower side. Passing through typical Kent villages with churches, cottages and local produce to enjoy.

Read the full route here: https://kentdowns.org.uk/activities/charing-to-hollingbourne-north-downs-way-rail-trail/ 🔗 in bio.

#NorthDownsWay #NorthDownsWayRailTrails #KentDowns @explore_kent @se_railway #VisitKent @visitkent @kentcommunityrailpartnership @kentdownsnl

These rail trails were produced as part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project. This is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes by @northdownswaynt

13

0

a month ago

Next up in our series for the summer: Harrietsham Circular North Downs Way Rail Trail. 🚂🥾

Starting from Harrietsham Station, this scenic circular walk quickly takes you onto the beautiful North Downs Way and Pilgrims' Way, where stunning views stretch across the surrounding landscapes.

Along the route, you'll discover centuries of history, from ancient pilgrimage routes to a village with roots stretching back to Bronze Age and Saxon times. And if you're ready for a break, the historic Ringlestone Inn, built in 1533, provides the perfect spot to pause and soak up the atmosphere.

Step back in time, explore iconic countryside trails, and enjoy the best of the Kent Downs, all within easy reach by train.

Read the full route here: www.kentdowns.org.uk/activities/harrietsham-circular-north-downs-way-rail-trail/ 🔗 in bio.

#NorthDownsWay #NorthDownsWayRailTrails #KentDowns @se_railway #VisitKent @visitkent @explorekentuk

These rail trails were produced as part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project. This is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes by @northdownswaynt

15

0

2 months ago

Look up as you explore the Kent Downs 👀

You may have walked past one of the chalk figures without knowing the story behind it.

The Wye Memorial Crown, Shoreham Memorial Cross, Lenham Memorial Cross and Folkestone White Horse have all become familiar parts of the Kent Downs landscape. But behind each one is a story of people, places and moments in history still remembered today.

Next time you’re out walking, see if you can spot one for yourself.

Curious about what you’ve spotted? Discover the stories behind the Kent Downs’ chalk figures in our blog:

🔗 https://kentdowns.org.uk/blog/2026/08/chalk-hill-figures/ (Link in bio)!

#KentDowns #ExploreKent #Chalk by @northdownswaynt

38

0

2 months ago

Looking for a family friendly walk that has a bit of everything?

The Cuxton Loop North Downs Way Rail Trail is a picturesque five mile walk through the Medway Valley and the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you'll discover ancient woodland, rolling farmland, charming villages, colourful wildflower meadows and sweeping views across the Medway towards Rochester.

In summer, the landscape comes alive with butterflies and pollinators, while nature lovers can enjoy the rare wildflowers of Ranscombe Farm. The route also passes through the @silverhandestate, Kent's largest organic vineyard and the UK's first carbon-negative vineyard.

Escape the everyday and explore one of Kent's most diverse countryside walks, all just a train ride away.

Read the full route here www. kentdowns.org.uk/activities/cuxton-loop-north-downs-way-rail-trail/ 🔗in bio

#NorthDownsWay #NorthDownsWayRailTrails #KentDowns #VisitKent @se_railway @visitkent

These rail trails were produced as part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project. This is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes by @northdownswaynt

33

0

2 months ago

🌱 Putting Down Roots, one hike at a time.

Over 100 of us took on the beautiful Dover to Folkestone route, in partnership with @kentdownsnl and @northdownswaynt as part of #PuttingDownRoots - helping more people discover and connect with the outdoors 🌊

📍 We had hikers joining from all over the UK 🇬🇧 Australia 🇦🇺 , California 🇺🇸 and Dubai 🇦🇪 🌍, as well as a group from Napier Friends, who we were so pleased to welcome.

Old friends, new faces, plenty of laughs, prayer together and miles of incredible coastline 🥾🌊

Because putting down roots is also about feeling like you belong. 🌿

#MuslimHikers #KentDowns #Dover #Folkestone by @northdownswaynt

3

26

2 months ago

Need a countryside escape without going too far? 🥾

This 7-mile walk starts at Westgate in Canterbury and takes you through quiet lanes, woodland, orchards and open countryside, with plenty to stop and see along the way.

There’s Bigbury Woods and its 2,000-year-old Iron Age hillfort, peaceful No Man’s Orchard and the North Downs Way Art Trail to discover along the route.

Once you reach Chilham, take your time exploring the village, stop for tea and cake or settle in for a well-earned pub lunch before catching the train back to Canterbury.

Fancy giving it a go: https://kentdowns.org.uk/blog/2026/07/canterbury-to-kent-downs/ (Link in bio)!

@visitcanterbury @canterburycitycouncil by @northdownswaynt

34

0

2 months ago

Next in our series of North Downs Way Rail Trails is Borough Green to Otford. 🚂

A stunning 7.5-mile hike that takes you through rolling countryside, ancient woodland, chalk grassland meadows and historic villages, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the Kent Downs.

Along the way, you'll pass through the charming villages of Wrotham and Otford, follow sections of the historic Pilgrims’ Way, and enjoy incredible viewpoints from Kemsing Down.

Perfect for a day out by rail, this trail combines nature, history and spectacular scenery, finishing in the heritage-rich village of Otford, home to the Archbishop’s Palace, heritage trail and famous duck pond.

Read the full route here https://kentdowns.org.uk/activities/borough-green-to-otford-north-downs-way-rail-trail/ 🔗 in bio

#NorthDownsWay #NorthDownsWayRailTrails #KentDowns @explore_kent @se_railway #VisitKent @visitkent

These rail trails were produced as part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project. This is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes by @northdownswaynt

33

2

2 months ago

🌳 Have questions about ash dieback and the woodland management work taking place across Surrey's countryside?

This autumn and winter, we'll be continuing our woodland management programme to address the impacts of ash dieback disease.

If you'd like to learn more, drop in and speak with members of our Arboriculture Team and Visitor Services Team at Newlands Corner. They'll be on hand to answer your questions, explain our approach to managing ash dieback, and discuss how the disease is affecting Surrey's countryside and the work being undertaken to respond to it.

📅 Thursday 20 August
⏰ 1pm to 3pm
📍 Newlands Corner Discovery Centre

Find out more about ash dieback, our management approach, and the event on our website 👆 Flyer for a Surrey County Council Ash Dieback drop-in event on Thursday 20 August, 1pm to 3pm at Newlands Corner. by @northdownswaynt

6

0

2 months ago