Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 6 Otford to Cuxton 24km

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 6: Otford to Cuxton.

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.

What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the 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) (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)

3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information:
Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0LndoYXRzYXBwLmNvbS9Ld2ZmdnVLalNDTEljQ0RVUXh5dG1s/A42ABEC437C09EA5B53D7A8060DE06FF433E0A4F9E0C77D232A5314E59800F07?c=5&i=1&docs=1) - then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending!

Details
Ramble high up on the North Downs on this epic adventure from Otford to Cuxton. It’s a big route at just under 24km, but with plenty of beautiful sights to reward you. Start in the picturesque village of Otford, and you will soon climb high up onto Otford Mount, one of the highest hills on the North Downs Way. Continue into Kemsing Down Nature Reserve with an array of flora and butterflies in spring and summer. Wind past the ancient village of Wrotham, through Trosley Country Park.

• MEET: 09.00am, Bromley South Station. We’ll catch the 09.12 train to Otford (08.41 from London Victoria). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Otford Station 09.31
• ENDING POINT: Cuxton Station (around 4.30/ 5pm)

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!