Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 12 Shepherdswell to Canterbury 17km

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 12: Shepherdswell to Canterbury.

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 👉 Find events and groups | WeRoad (the event 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
Head out on the Via Francigena from Shepherdswell to Canterbury on this 17km linear walk. Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims, as you pass through the pretty villages of Womenswold and Patrixbourne with their ancient churches and tea rooms and slip into fields with the spires of the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey coming into view ahead before reaching historic Canterbury. It was here that King Henry II paid his penance for the murder of Thomas Becket; clothed in a rough hair shirt and cloak, he walked barefoot to the cathedral.

You will soon reach the pinnacle of the ancient pilgrimage, Canterbury Cathedral.

• MEET: 08.25am, London Victoria. We'll catch the 08:40 train to Shepherds Well changing at Faversham. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Shepherds Well 10.28
• ENDING POINT: Canterbury (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!