One benefit is that this walk is very well served by public transport. If you've had enough it's easy to shorten as it passes various train stations as you go along. Also, unlike the Wey South Path or Downs Link walks I've done previously, there are refreshment stops on the way. The Newlands Corner Cafe is an excellent place to stop with beautiful views as you gorge on high calorie food with a clear conscience as you know you'll be burning it off over the next several hours!
This is a useful website:-
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way
I must admit I didn't bother with a map as there is plenty of signage, however I did make good use of the National Trail guide book (2016 seems the latest edition) available here:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1781315000/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0
and written by Colin Saunders. There were times when the book was essential as although it's well signed there are sections where the trail is ambiguous and signs are clearly missing. Interestingly the trail is narrow and overgrown at times. I was surprised as this is a well used route!
Despite the weather in June 2019 being very wet I was lucky that the day I had set aside was quite literally perfect, mid 20's temperature with a gentle breeze.
I wore Salomon Mudstone boots again and with about 3 sock changes zero blisters once again. The old methods....
Leaving Woking early (by train) I was walking from Farnham by 0630am and was in Merstham by 8.45pm with a break at Newlands Corner and about 3 x 10 minute 'sock stops'.
My packing list:-
Berghaus Arrow 30 (30 litre) backpack with a small satchel for easier access to water, camera etc
Phone
3.5 litres of water.
Banana, oat Flapjacks, chocolate biscuits (ate lunch at Newlands Corner)
4 x spare pairs socks
North Downs Way National Trail book - essential!
Hiking stick - v.useful for tired legs!!!
Warm wool hat/ lightweight gilet (though did not use), lightweight poncho. Light coloured cotton trousers - easier to spot Ticks on...
Sunglasses, (***Put Sunscreen on face & back of neck)
Pedometer, Tick remover !!!
Emergency blanket, Compass, Whistle, Spare laces, string etc - why not.
Cards/ Cash - cash in case it goes pear-shaped - (Taxi/ Hotel !!!)
Torch (& 2 x spare batts), plastic bags (put things in if it rains)
Camera. (Reading - for the way back)
Pen, paper
1st Aid kit, Medicines - (Plasters, Ibuprofen)
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| The book! Small, compact and very useful. |
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| Farnham, off we go! |
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| Some big open vistas on this walk. Food for the Soul. |
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| This would keep children happy! |
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| Now that's signage! |
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| Nice quiet day, only saw 2 other walkers that were obviously doing the NDW (one had 'the book' clutched like me!) |
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| Passed some very nice abodes! |
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| Coming up to Watt's Gallery. |
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| Did something crash? |
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| Guildford, lovely house! |
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| St. Martha's and it's wonderful views. |
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| Passing the start of the Downs Link just below St. Martha's. |
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| Approaching Newland's Corner. |
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| Part of the 1940 GHQ line with surviving Pill boxes. |
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| Some are in remarkably good condition. |
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| They're everywhere, have never seen so many in one place. |
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| Coming into Denbies Wine estate near Box Hill. |
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| Box Hill in the distance. |
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| The stepping stones before climbing up. |
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| A grave for a horse? |
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| The sound of the breeze blowing across the Wheat, not captured in a picture! |
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| A US bomber crashed here in 1945. Sadly none survived... |
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| Reigate Fort. |
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| Merstham. My 2020 start point! |
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