North Downs Way: Shepherdswell to Dover

The Walk: From Shepherdswell station, we rejoin the NDW where we left off near the village green. The Trail ambles pleasantly across the rolling Kentish chalk downlands before descending through Dover to the official finish line on the sea front.

Waldershare Park

Route

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely. You can download the Google map info, as a KML/KMZ file, then convert to GPX using a site like GPS Visualiser

From Shepherdswell Station, proceed up Approach Road which becomes a footpath which connects with the North Downs Way (NDW). It is a short diversion to check out the village green and St Andrews Church (and Frys Farm Shop for coffee). Otherwise continue on the trail, which is reasonably well signed jointly as the NDW and Via Francigena (see previous walk).

Why do it?

If you are coming from Canterbury, this may well be your last section of the NDW Canterbury Loop, ending at the official finish/start line on Dover seafront.

NDW Finish/start line on Dover Seafront

The route is coincident with the old Via Francigena pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, and there are several Pilgrimage churches en route.: St Andrew's at Shepherdswell, pleasantly situated on the village green, St Pancras at Coldred, standing in the remnants of a Norman Motte and Bailey castle, and displaying a 600 year old bell within, and All Saints, Waldershare, now decommissioned but maintained and kept open by the Disused Churches Trust.

600 year old bell in St Pancras at Coldred

You pass through impressive landscaped Waldershare Park which surrounds the eponymous House (grade 2 listed dating from 1712}.

Waldershare House

Just before you enter the Park is the Monumenta Romana artwork, which imagines the belvedere which was never installed upon the Palladian folly tower visible in the distance.

Monumenta Romana sculptural seating

Dover is packed with history if you have time and energy to explore it. Most tired NDW finishers will be content with the views from the town centre of the massive castle overlooking the town.

Dover Castle from Pencester Gardens

As with almost any part of the NDW, if you happen to come this way in Spring, you will be treated to blossom, be it hawthorn on hedgerows or magnolias in gardens.

Huge magnolia in Dover

Logistics:

Start: Shepherdswell Station. You can park for free in the small car park, or on the way up to join the NDW at the recreation ground on Approach Road.

Finish: At the official NDW finish/start line on Dover seafront. Walk to Dover Priory Station for the train back to Shepherdswell.

Distance: 10 miles including half a mile from Shepherswell Station to join the NDW. Add about 0.75 miles to walk from the finish line to Dover Priory Station.

Car park at Shepherdswell Station

Challenges:

The village where you start is sometimes spelt one word Shepherdswell or two words Shepherds Well, which I find irritating

There is a 1 mile excursion to get across the A2 as you approach Dover, despite the continuing path being tantalisingly close on the other side of the road. Don't attempt to cross directly: the road is a busy dual carriage way, and the track on the other side is totally overgrown.

Diversion path to get across busy A2

The land south of the A2 is slated for development, so expect changes and diversions over the next few years. (I was discombobulated by a new tall telecoms mast which was not on my OS map.)

Perhaps the main navigation challenge is finding your way through Dover town centre: study the Google map carefully.

Subway to Dover Seafront

Refreshments:

Fry's Farm Shop near the village green in Shepherdswell does coffees and snacks, with opening hours convenient for walkers. Also the Bell Inn on the village green.

Plenty of options in Dover.