Читать книгу The North Downs Way. National Trail from Farnham to Dover онлайн

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During research for this edition, the YHA had only two hostels on or near the NDW. These were at Tanners Hatch (Stage 2) and Canterbury (on Stage 10a). Advance booking is advised for both, especially during school holidays and at weekends – details of addresses, facilities and telephone numbers are given in the YHA guide which comes free with membership – see Appendix A for the YHA National Office, or try www.yha.org.uk.

A welcome B&B on Detling Hill (Stage 7)

The decline in the number of YHA hostels along the North Downs Way is partly compensated for by the establishment of independent hostels or ‘camping barns’, of which there are currently three in the route's vicinity: at Puttenham (Stage 1), Coldblow east of Detling (Stage 8), and in Canterbury (Stage 10a). A handbook listing hundreds of independent hostels throughout the UK is published by The Backpackers Press, but for further information see www.independenthostelguide.co.uk.

Waymarking and accessibility

As a National Trail, managed jointly by Surrey and Kent County Councils with support from Natural England, the North Downs Way is adequately waymarked with arrows bearing an acorn symbol, and is well maintained and checked for obstructions. Since the first edition of this guide was published, scores of stiles have been replaced by kissing gates, direction signs made more evident, and the way improved and re-routed in certain places to make a safer crossing of some roads.