This was the final part of the Trail for me. Once again, this was 2 sections from Colin Saunders official National Trail Guide, Wye to Etchinghill (11 miles), and then Etchinghill to Dover (12 miles) making it 23 miles in a day. I added a detour down to Folkestone Warren and back (it's in the 2nd section), a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) adding another couple of miles, and an excellent cardio work out, it's a long way down and then back up!
The first section is 'crowned' by Wye Crown, early on in the 1st section, fabulous views stretching for miles, and the very spot where the North Downs Way National Trail was launched in 1978.
The 2nd section is sometimes less scenic, with views of the Channel Tunnel complex and Folkestone, but made up for with the White Cliffs, the aforementioned Folkestone Warren, and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial.
In a country known for it's adherence to the Health and Safety ethic, the cliff-top walks later in the walk are interesting, often unfenced, narrow and with a 350 foot sheer drop a pace or two away. It was windy too, luckily blowing inland! It's best not to consume too much alcohol before doing this...
It's a reasonably hilly walk overall, but nothing terrible. Also of note, there are unfenced cattle in considerable numbers and little way around them. You have to walk calmly through them, there was even a Bull at one point, I had to quickly check I wasn't wearing red!
Navigation was OK but several crucial signs were missing and I did use Colin Saunder's guide book a lot for route confidence, in fact I had it in hand most of the time. I was surprised to not see another walker doing the NDW all day, but then it was a Monday. That can also be nice as you can walk at the pace you wish, as the paths are narrow. Parts of the path were surprisingly overgrown, and you have to wonder if the 'cost of living crisis' has reduced the footfall, for those walking in stages as I did, using the trains, it can be a significant cost.
Overall, a great days walking, and a great Trail overall, 125 miles for me (there is also a slightly longer alternate route via Canterbury) in 5 stages. I will be looking at the South Downs Way next!
