North Downs Way

11 Mar

The North Downs Way, which passes through Shepherdswell, runs from Farnham in Surrey to Dover. Whilst the North Downs Way was opened in 1978 as a national trail, it follows (for part of the way) the route of the Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury.

Pilgrims on the Via Francigena. Credit: https://www.viefrancigene.org/

Credit: https://www.viefrancigene.org/

From Canterbury to Dover, the North Downs Way follows the Via Francigena – an ancient pilgrim route which leads more than 3000 kilometres, from Canterbury to Rome and Santa Maria di Leuca.

In Shepherdswell, the North Downs Way runs through the fields of Upton Court Farm, where Frys’ Farm Shop is located.

Pilgrims and walkers can access the farm shop directly from the path (W3W ///unrated.speaker.linked). We are happy to stamp Pilgrim Passports.

As well as stocking fresh fruit and vegetables, we have a range of locally produced juices and sparkling soft drinks, and serve tea, coffee and hot chocolate and snacks.