For the summer of 2019, we had committed to two separate, though related hikes. After completing the Cotswold Way in southwestern England, we would travel to an area in the county of Surrey, just south of London, to begin the North Downs Way (aka NDW) which would take us through southeast England to the English Channel. The North Downs Way is roughly a 150 mile trail, beginning in Farnham, passing through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (as they are defined by the English on any map) and finally finishing on the beaches of Dover, below Dover Castle, on the English Channel. My preliminary research revealed many points of interest: the historical sites from the Neolithic era through WWII, picturesque villages, thatched cottages, deep green hills scattered with spring wildflowers, cream teas and cakes and finally the white cliffs of Dover. And, to accompany me throughout the two-week, second leg of the summer’s trek, I was joined by a long-time friend and fellow cyclist, Nancy, from California. Also, not willing to miss the beauty and historical significance of this region, my mother, June, continued from the Cotswold Way with me, meeting us every evening as she followed along in a taxi.
Day 1 Farnham to Guildford
Day 2 Guildford to Dorking
Day 3 Dorking to Merstham
Day 4 Merstham to Westerham Hill
Day 5 Westerham Hill to Wrotham
Day 6 Wrotham to Cuxton
Day 7 Rest Day in Rochester
Day 8 Cuxton to Thurnham
Day 9 Thurnham to Chegworth
Day 10 Chegworth to Boughton Lees
Day 11 Boughton Lees to Canterbury
Day 12 Canterbury to Lower Eythorne
Day 13 Lower Eythorne to Dover
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