A fast paced walk following the North Downs Way from the pleasant village of Wye and finishing at the harbour in Folkestone - with plenty of great views of the Kent countryside, Folkestone itself and the English Channel (including France on a very clear day). The walk is predominantly along the top of the North Downs ridge, but there are a few substantial climbs with a total ascent of just over 650 metres.
Please bring a packed lunch and also plenty of water. The lunch stop itself will be just before the halfway distance, with a pub stop a few miles after. Other than the pub itself, there are only toilets at the start and near the end of the walk. We will also pass a Co Op near the start should anyone need to stock up on anything. Plenty of pubs, bars and cafes at Folkestone harbour at the end. Folkestone Central station is a further mile from the harbour, which is included in the total mileage.
Travel
For transport there are two options:
Either: take the 8:29 from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 8:32, London Bridge 8:38, Sevenoaks 9:02, Ashford International 9:50) and arrive at Wye at 9:56
Or: the quicker (but more expensive) option is the high speed 9:07 from St Pancras International (Stratford International 9:14), which arrives at Ashford International at 9:44 and then join the aforementioned train to Wye which departs Ashford at 9:50.
Buy a return to Folkestone and also an additional single from Ashford International to Wye. There are direct trains back from Folkestone Central to both Charing Cross and St Pancras, but if using the high speed train between Ashford and St Pancras make sure to have a valid high speed ticket.
Meet just outside the main station entrance at Wye station.