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North Downs Way: Folkestone to Etchinghill
moderateOff-lead sections

North Downs Way: Folkestone to Etchinghill

Folkestone, Kent · South East

Quick answer

North Downs Way from Folkestone to Etchinghill is a 6.5-mile route offering panoramic English Channel views across chalk downland and woodland in Kent. Dogs are welcome throughout. Note there are 4 stiles on this route, making it less suitable for very large or elderly dogs. Open downland sections allow off-lead running.

Walk Starting Point

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📏

Distance

6.5 miles

Time

2h 20m - 3h

Moderate

Difficulty

🐾

Off-lead

Yes

🚧

Stiles

4

🅿️

Parking

Available

🍺

Nearest pub

The New Inn, Etchinghill

Dog-friendly stops nearby

The New Inn, Etchinghill is the nearest dog-friendly pub to this walk. Browse dog-friendly pubs →

See all dog-friendly places near Folkestone

About this walk

A rewarding stretch of the North Downs Way long-distance path with panoramic views over Folkestone and the English Channel. The route climbs through chalk downland and woodland before dropping into the village of Etchinghill. Several stiles on this section make it less suitable for very small or elderly dogs.

Walk highlights

  • Channel views on clear days
  • Chalk downland wildflowers
  • Ancient woodland sections
  • Quiet village finish

Terrain

Woodland/ForestMoorland/Heath

🗓 Seasonal notes

Best avoided after heavy rain when chalk paths become slippery. Autumn colours in the woodland are excellent.

🅿️ Parking

Parking at Folkestone Racecourse or roadside in Etchinghill

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