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

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1 The NDW is clearly waymarked with the acorn symbol of a National Trail

2 Signposts appear at major junctions

3 Green metal footpath signs are common in Kent

4 This signpost at Wrotham indicates that the NDW is linked with the E2 European Trail

Walkers can expect reasonable conditions along the whole route. However, although it follows a series of defined rights of way, some sections are on bridleways shared with cyclists and horse riders and can be very muddy in inclement weather, while in other places the route travels along byways used by motorised traffic where extra care should be taken.

Colour-coded waymarks clarify the right of use of these various designations: yellow arrows indicate footpaths (walkers only); blue arrows show a bridleway (walkers, cyclists and horse riders); red arrows indicate a byway (all traffic).

When to go

No season need be out of bounds for the walker along the North Downs Way, so long as suitable clothing be worn, so whether you plan to walk the whole route end to end, or pick out isolated sections for day walks, consideration should be given first and foremost to conditions underfoot. Comfortable, well-fitting and weatherproof footwear is essential to the enjoyment of the walk, for you need to be prepared for all weathers at all times of the year. In summer no less than winter, rain and wind can have a chilling effect, especially when walking across unsheltered downland, and your choice of clothing should take this into account. Warm and waterproof outer garments ought to be carried or worn on every stage of the long walk.