Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 1 Farnham to Guildford 17km

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 1: Farnham to Guildford.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 [https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly93ZW1lZXQud2Vyb2FkLmNvbS9ldmVudC8yYTkxMjBkOS05ZWM1LTRmNTgtOWQyYi1hN2Y4NDgzODZmZWM=/7DA6F6CBA072CD40CACFD77818572316B78EFA3B11AA20FCC11B6E75C8B01995?c=5&i=1&docs=1)
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0

Details:

• This hike is 17km long, with a peaceful, relatively flat, linear walk.
• MEET: 08:00am, Clapham Junction. We'll catch the 08:16 train to Farnham (08.08 from Waterloo). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding at Waterloo.
• STARTING POINT: Farnham Station, 09:17am
• ENDING POINT: Guildford Station (around 3.30-4pm)

What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!