North Downs Way: Otford to Snodland Walk

This walk is a stage of the North Downs Way (NDW) / The Pilgrims Ways. It follows the southern escarpment of the North Downs ridge through a mix of fields and woods, with open views to the south for most of the way.

The walk is in 2 parts, bisected at a saddle in the ridge at Wrotham by the M20.

It starts at Otford, and steeply ascends the North Downs Ridge, and heads west. It passed Coteman's Ash, about 300m south of a quirky food only pub. It continues along the ridge until Wrotham (pub) where there is a safe motorway crossing. It slowely regains the ridge through a forest until Trosley Country Park / Vigo Village (pub). Back in the open, the walk continues in open countryside below the ridge with southerly views.

It leaves the NDW proper to descend through open countryside to Snodland. It finishes with about 1km of urban walking, passing a 'backstreet' pub a few minutes from the station.

The walk can be done in either direction:

• Otford has a much shorter train journey from London, an is an ideal place to start a walk, the walk up to the ridge starts at the station. However, the walk has an urban ending.
• In reverse, Snodland has a longer journey, but the urban bit is at the start. Otford station has no facilities to await your train - its pretty village with pubs is an extra 500m or so further on (and back again) on an already long walk

For slightly longer walk (1.6m/2km), sticking to the NDW for longer, walk to/from Halling, 1 stop up the line from Snodland

Otford

• The Woodman, in the village centre, about 400m past the station
• Rising Sun, a qurky food only pub in Coteman's Ash, about 400, north of the NDW

Lunch

• The Rose and Crown, Wrotham
• The Village, in Vigo Village, about 200m off route

Snodland

• The Monks Head a back street pub. Also, a Co-Op and a cafe (day time opening only).

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Apr-26 Andrew