How to walk from Oxted to Otford: NDW stage 5

It’s February, and the walk from Oxted to Otford was my first one of the year. It was my first walk in over a month. Why have I gone so long without going on any walks? The reality is, I couldn’t be bothered.

Maybe it’s because we have either been in a big storm or icy sub zero cold temperatures, and any day I didn’t have to go to work, I wanted to stay in the comfort of my home.

Saying that, the weather did change, and now it’s a rather mild 15 degree winter. And I still couldn’t be bothered. Maybe it’s a case of the January blues. The only time I was going outside was either to go to work (because I had to) or to go to Sainsburies which is 5min walk away. Even that was an effort.

I really had to force myself to go and do the walk from Oxted to Otford. I knew it would be good for me…and as an incentive, I downloaded a few podcasts before heading out

What to expect when walking from Oxted to Otford

Oxted to Otford is section 5 of the North Downs Way (NDW). The whole walk is about 14 miles, about 12 of which is the NDW. Those extra miles are to get you from Oxted Station, back onto the trail.

Looking across a large green grass field on the walk from Oxted to Otford. There is a cottage on the other side of the field, and hills in the distance.

A field filled with white sheep all looking towards the camera, on the walk between Oxted and Otford. There are hills and fields in the distance.

An antique shopfront with lots of antiques and trinkets outside and in the shop window at the end of the walk in Otford.

This section of the NDW from Oxted to Otford is a milestone day for two reasons. First off, it’s the day you will cross over from the Surrey Hills AONB to the Kent Downs AONB. It is also the day you will cross over from the Western Hemisphere to the Eastern Hemisphere. I explain more about this when I describe the route later on.

There are lots of views on this one. I think the most so far along the whole route since Farnham. It’s a while since I have done the previous sections, but from memory it definitely felt more view like.

Looking along the edge of a green grass field, towards a cottage on the corner, when walking between Oxted and Otford. There are hills reaching far into the distance.

The views are broken up by sections of straggly woodland. The pattern goes something like this: Woods, views, woods, views, woods, views, a little bit of road, some fallen trees, more views.

A woodland trail, with trees fallen along it.

Just like the previous section Merstham to Oxted, you will be walking parallel to the M25 the whole way, although not quite as close. So it’s more of a faint noise in the background…Apart from the two times you have to cross over it (don’t worry, there are bridges).

Looking along the M25, with lots of cars driving in both directions.

Is the walk challenging?

I would say it’s moderate difficulty. Most of the route is level, however, there are some hills to walk up in between. The first one is near the start from Oxted to get onto the trail. Soon after that, there is a serious hill.

A wide dirt uphill path lined with trees up the banks, on the walk from Oxted to Otford.

Then for the rest of the way, there are a few very short ones, and maybe some steps, before a big descent near the end to reach Otford. The length is what makes it a little tougher, rather than any hills.

Steps winding up through the woods on the walk from Oxted to Otford. There is a lot of greenery and fern up the tree trunks.

Is the walk from Oxted to Otford easy to follow?

Yes and no. So far, this is the worst signposted section of the NDW. I found big stretches with no signage and multiple route options, leaving me guessing which way to go.

I had studied the route from Oxted to Otford before heading out, and although I couldn’t remember it step by step, I had a rough idea, which made my guessing a little easier. That and licking my finger and sticking it in the air.

It’s not all like this though, in fact most of the way is signposted. It gets very twisty and turny later on, and you are guided by lots of arrows. I found myself zoning out around here, just following the arrows. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to give you the exact step by step description for this bit, but I think I did a good job (pats myself on the back).

A partially hidden North Downs way signpost in the bushes. — Some signs are also hidden

My thoughts on the walk

It may not sound like it, but I did enjoy the walk from Oxted to Otford, and I only listened to a podcast for some of it. I was also pleasantly surprised by Otford, knowing nothing about it before heading out on the walk. I will tell you a bit more at the end….

Logistics

Start: Oxted station, Surrey. RH8 9EU.
Finish: Otford station, Derwent Valley, Kent. TN14 5QY.
Distance: 14 miles

Time: 4h 45min
Difficulty: Moderate due to the length
Terrain: Dirt trail, mud, grass, some steps, road.

Elevation: Some hills, then flat in between. Total elevation gain is 594m
Dog friendly: There is some livestock about. I only saw them towards the end, but some other fields look like animals could be in them sometimes. From what I recall, there was one stile. However, someone has cut a hole in the wire fence so doggies can fit through. There are quite a few country road crossings, then a chunk of road walking near the end.
Amenities: Public toilets at Oxted Station. Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and cafes etc at Oxted. Cafes and a couple of pubs at Otford. A few miles before you reach Otford, you will pass by the Rose and Crown pub which is highly rated. There is car parking at both train stations, however, if you come by car, then don’t do the full route from Oxted to Otford. Instead, walk part way, then walk back to your car. There is no direct train line between the two stations and it will take you 1.5-2h to get from one to the other.

A light green pop up food stall next to the road in Otford.

Map for the walk from Oxted to Otford

You can find my more detailed route map for the walk from Oxted to Otford on Alltrails.

Route description: How to walk from Oxted to Otford

When you arrive at Oxted station, if you have come from the north (ie London), you want to exit on the same side as the platform. This will lead you to the high street area.

A street with shops on the right, snd park cars.

Take a left on the main road where there is a Sainsbury’s, and keep going to reach a small roundabout where you turn right.

Next walk along a residential street for a little, and take a left onto Park road.

A residential road, lined with hedges in red and green, and houses ahead on the right side.

A road leading straight, and a road leading off it to the left, with a house on the corner. — Turn left here

Walk to the end, and at the corner, there is a trail leading off it. Go along it.

Looking down a road, lined with hedges and a view to the hills ahead, near the start of the walk toward Otford, out of Oxted.

A road corner, with a side road leading off the main road. There is an opening to a trail in the junction. — Take that trail on the corner there

A dirt path lined with bushes, trees, and green fern.

This will lead you to a field. Walk straight across the field, keeping left, to reach the bridge crossing over the M25.

A large green grass field with trees on the other side.

Looking along the bridge path, lined with silver grey metal railings, and trees on the other side.

When you reach the next field, you need to turn left. You can do this either in the field, or along the trail before the fence. I took the trail before the fence, which might be a little scratchy in summer when everything is more grown.

An opening in a wooden fence, leading to a pale coloured crop field on the other side.

Both routes will lead you up the hill to reach the NDW.

A grass path on the edge of the field, lined with hay grass. There are lots of trees ahead.

A black information board on the trail, with trees behind it.

Follow the NDW all the way to Otford

Now you are on the official trail, which takes you all the way to Otford station, some 12 miles away.

Up here, turn right, and walk along the top of the hill. It’s a great view from up here. I could see a big manor house type building, so naturally got out Google Maps and stood facing it to see what it was. I’m not 100% sure, but I think it’s a school. However, I stand to be corrected.

A narrow trail on the left side running along the top of a large field hill.

Looking across a large field to three tops and houses in the distance.

A trail leading ahead, on the left side of a large field, near the start of the walk from Oxted to Otford.

Something significant comes up next. I didn’t realise the significance of it until I got home and Googled it….

The Greenwich Meridian line

On this hill, you will reach a plaque which marks where the North Downs Way and Vanguard way cross the Greenwich Meridian line. You may already know what this is, and I feel a bit silly for not knowing, but if you don’t, let me tell you…

This is basically like the equator, but the other way. It’s the line which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. This line indicates zero degrees longitude, and is the dividing point between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

I wish I had known this at the time. Then I would have stood with one foot in each half and taken a selfie.

The big hill and other hill

Continue along the top of the hill, then through a gate and another field, to reach some woods.

A narrow path leading towards a wooden gate which is surrounded by trees and bushes.

A barely visible,e trail leading along the left side of a green grass field. There are leafless bushes to the left.

The path leading towards a wooden gate with woodland trees on the other side.

In the woods, go down the steps, then turn left to start the uphill. This is the biggest uphill on the walk between Oxted and Otford. It’s not Box Hill kind of big, so don’t panic.

Steps leading down to a path, with a trail signpost on the right.

A dirt path leading uphill, lined with steep banks and trees, on the walk from Oxted to Otford.

Looking through a gap in the trees, to a view of fields in the distance, when walking from Oxted to Otford.

When you reach the top at the road, you want to turn right. The arrow signage was missing when I was there, but inspecting the hole where the arrow should be, it indicates turning right.

A wooden trail signpost on the left, next to a wooden wall with a red leafed bush coking over the top, The road is ahead to the right. — Turn right here

A road leading from the bottom left corners to the right, with a trail and woods on the other side. There are two cars driving along the road. — Take that trail across the road

Then a short way along the road, cross over it onto the trail again.

A dirt trail leading through the woods, and some red leaves on the tree branches, on the walk between Oxted and Otford.

It’s easy now, just following the trail alongside the road. When you reach the steps, Then turn left up them for the next hill. This one is shorter.

A dirt trail on the left, and the road below to the right. The trail is lined with leafs trees and bushes. There is a large tree trunk on the left.

A narrow dirt trail, lined with a few bushes and trees ahead. There is a big broken tree trunk on the right.

Steps leading up a hill, with a wooden railing on the left side, on the walk from Oxted to Otford. The ground is covered in fallen red leaves.

When you reach the top, turn right.

More woods and more views

The trail now is narrow, with close trees, and peaks of views to the right. At the road, cross over to pick up the trail opposite to continue through the woods.

A thin dir trail leading towards a tunnel of straggly trees.

Looking over the leafless bushes to a view of patchwork green fields and hills in the distance.

Looking across the road to woodland on the other side. — Cross over to that trail on the other side

A dirt trail leading through the woods with a mix of thick tree trunks, and thin straggly trees.

At the time of writing, there is a section along here where the path is blocked by fallen tree (or trees). It’s not too hard to navigate around though. Just keep following what looks like a path, as it does a bit of winding, to reach a gate to take you into the next field with views.

The trail hidden by a mass of green leafed bushes and a fallen tree. — The fallen tree from the other side

Steps leading to a metal gate, with a green grass field on the other side.

Looking across a large green grass hill field. The green grass turns to yellow ahead.

Looking down the grass hill, too a view of patchwork green fields in the distance, on the walk between Oxted and Otford.

Walk to the other end of the field, where you should find some NDW signage. Follow this, keeping right, to then go through another gate onto a dirt trail lined with straggly trees.

A wooden stump trail signpost on the right side edge of a field, with brown leafless bushes to the right.

The trail leading to a black metal gate surrounded by straggly leafless trees.

A thin muddy dirt path lined with straggly leafless trees.

Once out of the trees, you will be on the edge of another field with wonderful views.

Missing signs

Walk around the top of the hill field, then when you reach the road, stay following the trail next to the field. The NDW sign was missing again.

Looking across a large grass field, to a brick circular bunker type thing on the left.

A wooden trail signpost on the left side of a gravel path.

A gravel path leading g ahead, with a wooden fence and grass field to the right. — Stay on this trail

The trail will now take you on a few curves, along the top of the hill with those wonderful views to the right.

a narrow gravel path curving to the left, with a view to the fields though leafless tree branches.

A gravel path leading ahead on the left, with leafless bushes lining the right side, and green grass fields on the other side.

The gravel path leading to a wooden gate which is surrounded by trees with green leaves.

A path leading ahead on the right, at the top of a green grass field, with views to the fields in the distance on the right, when walking from Oxted to Otford.

Somewhere along here, you need to turn left to walk through a wooden gate. There are no signs to tell you this. I wasn’t even sure this was correct, until I walked through and saw a sign on the other side.

A wooden gate with masses of woodland trees on the other side. — This is the gate on the left

A wooden gate with a yellow arrow pointing right. — This is on the other side of the gate

Next you walk up some more steps to reach the road and big junction.

It’s not obvious, but at the junction you need to turn right onto Chestnut Avenue. It’s the one with the golf club sign. You won’t see the NDW signs until you walk over to this road.

A road sign saying Chestnut avenue, and a black golf club sign behind it. The signs are sitting in unkept grass.

Road walking

Now it’s a lot of road. Not busy road. I actually don’t think a single car passed me on this bit.

A road gently curving ahead, lined with leafless trees. The ground on the side of the road is covered in red leaves.

Keep going for some time, passing the golf club, then some houses where rich people probably live, to reach the road junction at the end.

At the junction, turn right to walk along the road as it curves left, taking you past some more houses.

A road curving to the left, with trees to the left side, and a wall and gate entrance to a home on the right. There is a row of bins ahead on the right. — This is after you turn right

A road leading ahead, with grass lining the right and a wooden fence along the left. On the right side of the grass there is a wooden fence, with tall trees on the other side.

Along here you will pass a headstone sign telling you how far you have come and how far you have to go to reach the end of the NDW in Dover. I think this is the first one of these I have seen since Farnham. I was wondering when one would pop up.

A stone plaque marking the North Downs Way, pointing left for Farnham, and right for Canterbury and Dover.

The road eventually becomes more dirt track like, and maybe a little muddy.

A wide muddy trail lined with messy trees.

Danger tree

I came across another fallen tree along here. This one had caught a power line. I wondered whether the line was live and would electrocute me if I touched the tree. Just incase, I took my backpack off and chucked it under, then crawled after it giving myself extra clearance. Safety first.

More fields and views

At the end of the road, cross over the next road to get onto the trail in the field opposite, then turn left to walk around the top of the hill with some lovely views.

Looking across the road to a hedge on the other side, and wooden trail signpost pointing left.

Looking across a grass field, with underling hills ahead, on the walk from Oxted to Otford.

As you are walking along the top, there will be a spilt. Take the left one which leads you to a gate and into the woods again.

The edge of a grass hill field, with a grass trail leading off it to the left. There are masses of trees ahead. — Take the left split here

After a bit of walking along a narrow dirt trail through straggly woods, you will be back in the open with more views.

A narrow dirt trial leading through the straggly leafless trees.

A think trail leading ahead on the the top of a large grass field leading down to the right. There are bushes on the left side of the trail.

Walk along the top of this field, keeping an eye out for an opening on the left with a wooden stump trail sign. Then take the left to walk up some more steps.

The corner of a field, with a grass path leading off it to the left. — Turn left here

At the top of the steps you will reach a gate leading to a big field with a pylon. Walk to the top of this field, keeping left, then go through the metal gate at the top and turn right.

A wooden pole with a yellow arrow sign pointing up the hill.

A metal gate in the wire fence, surround by fallen red leaves. There are trees and messy bushes on the other side.

Woods, fields, woods, fields

You will be back on a dirt trail through straggly woods again. When you reach the next junction, turn right. After a little bit more woods you will be in, you guessed it, a field with views again.

A ground curveted in twigs and leaves with a wall of trees on the other side, and a wooden stump sign. — Turn right here

A wide path covered din fallen red leaves, lines with straggly trees.

The path leading through and open gate, out of the woods and into a green grass field.

Walk along the top of the field all the way to the other side.

Looking down the grass hill to a vast view of patchwork green field as far as the eye can see, partway through the walk from Oxted to Otford.

This is where I stopped for my snack break.

At the end of this field, go through the next gate, and a bit more woods, to reach the next field where you turn left.

A dirt trial leading straight through straggly leafless woodland.

A large green grass field. There are some trees lining the top of the field ahead.

Where are the signs?

This is where it gets a bit confusing. When you reach the top corner of this field, there are a few options with no signs. I looked on my map, and saw that there was only one trail. Right. So I decided that the correct way was right, along the top edge of the field.

The edge of a grass field, with bushes and trees lining the left side.

At the next corner, there is a metal gate on the left with a memorial plaque. I couldn’t see any NDW signs here either, which got me a bit worried. I felt like it must be the correct way, so went through it and kept going through the field, walking in line with the pylons.

A metal gate with a memorial plaque on it..

A grass field with wires and pylons running through the middle. There are bushes to the left, and a patch of the ground is covered in fallen red leaves.

Part way through this field there is a gate on the left. There were still no signs (not a good sign), but I decided to go through and turn right.

A metal gate and wire fence surround by fallen red and orange leaves.

A wide dirt path curving ahead to the left, lined with a metal fence and green leafy bushes on the left. There is a big tree on the other side of the bushes, with long leafless branches hanging over the path.

At the next corner, there is a gate to the left. I scooted on over to it to find some trail signs. Too many trail signs. The NDW was pointing in all directions. It was as if someone took the arrows from the previous junctions and stuck them all here. They were also in different colours. Not something I have seen before.

A dirt trail corner, with a dirt trial leading off it to the left towards a wooden gate. The trails are lined by straggly trees.

Four arrow trail parkers in pink, yellow, and red, on a wooden stump.

The yellow arrow is the one I was used to, so I chose that one (and you should too).

A yellow arrow trail marker on the wooden gate, pointing ahead towards the trees, on the walk between Oxted and Otford.

Through some more woods, on an undulating dirt trail, you will reach another wooden gate. This time with not just a yellow NDW arrow, but and stone NDW sign. This one can’t be lying.

A big tree on the right with curving branches, and a dirt trail running past it toward more trees.

A wooden gate, and stone trail marker below it. The ground is covered in brown fallen leaves.

All the arrows

Remember at the start, I told you I zoned out for a bit. Well that’s coming. For a good while now, there are yellow NDW arrows everywhere, guiding you on some twists and turns….

Through the wooden gate, turn right along the edge of the field. Then at the end, turn left.

Looking across a grass field, with a big tree trunk on the right side of the frame. There are tree branches with a few leaves hanging down from the top of the frame. — The right turn after the gate

A wooden trail signpost with two arrows, sitting in front of stray trees. One arrow points left, one points right.

Looking along a grass field with a dirt trail running along the right edge, with woodland trees on the right.

There is muddy section coming up, then a road to cross to reach the next field.

A muddy track running along the edge of a grass field. There are trees along the right side of the field.

A metal gate and wooden gate on the end of a field, with a road on the other side.

Looking along the edge of a grass field, with trees and bushes along the right side. — Walk straight across this field

Looking across a large grass field, to a cottage on the other side, when walking from Oxted to Otford. There are trees behind the cottage. — This house is over on the right (don’t walk to it though)

On the other side of this field, cross over another road and into the next field.

Looking across a road to a leafless hedge and wooden gate, with a field on the other side.

Looking along the left side of a large grass field, with trees lining the left side.

There are now a series of fields, and a couple of wooden gates with yellow arrows guiding you straight.

A dirt trail leading to a wooden gate in a hedge.

A wooden gate with no fence sitting on a muddy section of a field. There are trees and hedges along the left side of the field.

A wooden gate with a yellow trail arrow pointing straight ahead in the field.

A wooden trail signpost nestled within the bush, partially hidden. — A slightly hidden sign. At this one, stay straight along the edge of the field.

Then at the (I think) third gate, the arrow points slightly right. Follow it along the edge of the field, then when you reach the opening for the next field, don’t go into it, but turn left keeping along the edge of this field.

A wooden gate surrounded by leafless trees.

A wooden stump signpost with a yellow arrow pointing diagonally right.

Looking along the right edge of a grass field, with a dirt trail running along the edge, and trees lining right right side of the field.

The corner of a grass field, leading to another field past some hedges and trees. — Don’t go through this gap. Turn left instead.

Looking along the right edge of a large grass field, with trees all along the right side.

Partway along you will reach a yellow arrow pointing right to take you out of this field and into another.

A wooden stump trail signpost with a yellow arrow pointing right.

Looking through a gap in the hedges to a large grass field with a dirt trail running along the right side.

Follow the edge of this field around, to reach the bigger sign which directs you right and onto the road.

A wooden trail signpost sitting in front of a large leafy bush, with a agp in the bush leading onto the road. — Go through here to reach the road

More woods, more fields

Cross over the road and straight along a wide dirt trail.

Looking across the road to a metal gate and wide dirt trail on the other side, with woodland trees to the right of the trail.

A wide dirt trail leading straight ahead on the edge off a field, with woodland trees to the right.

At the other end, go through the gate on the right to walk though some woods. I think there is a junction coming up where you turn right.

A wide trail leading through the woods, with trees with leafless branches.

A wooden trail signpost in the woods, with a yellow arrow pointing right, when walking from Oxted to Otford.

Then after a bit more woods, go through the metal gate into a field, and turn right to walk along the edge of it.

A dirt trail leading to a curved metal gate, and a field on the other side.

There is a trail split along here. Either is fine as they join up ahead.

The edge of a grass field, with two trail leading ahead, separated by some trees ahead.

Continue past the ruins of something, and keep following the wide dirt trail as it curves around the field.

A large brick semicircle wall ruins, sitting under the trees, with a ground covered in red fallen leaves.

A wide dirt trail curving to the left on a field, with a man walking along it. There are woodland trees lining the right side of the field.

When you reach the wooden gate, go through it.

A wooden gate and wire fence on the edge of a field, with hedges and bushes to the right. There are two people walking in the field on the other side of the gate.

Keep following the trail, and then through a metal gate, to walk along the edge of a crop field with a house on the other end.

A dirt trail leading to the corner of a field towards a metal gate partially hidden by trees.

Looking across an empty crop field, to a farm house on the other side, partway through the walk between Oxted and Otford. There are leafless bushes and trees on the right side of the field.

When you reach the corner, stay straight through the bushes (there is no sign here).

A muddy dirt trail leading through a gap in the leafless bushes and hedges. — This is the gap through the bushes

When you reach the road, turn right and walk a short way along it, then take a left to get into another field.

Part of a metal gate, with a wooden trail sign on the left, on road behind them. There is a hedge on the other side of the road. — Turn right at the road here

A wooden trail signpost next to a tall hedge. There is a trail on the right side leading past the hedge. — Then turn left here to get back into a field

Looking along the edge of a large grass field lined with a leafless hedge.

Continue straight along the edge of the field, then through the gate on the other side. A short way past the gate, there will be a right turn. Take it.

A gap between a metal gate and wooden fence, with a trail sign in front of them, and an arrow pointing through the gap.

A wooden trail signpost sitting in the grass, pointing right along a dirt trail leading through some trees. — The right turn

At the time of writing there is a big fallen tree along here. It looks impossible, but if you look to the left, there is a way to walk around it.

A dirt trail with a fallen tree across it.

When you reach the next field, follow the trail you can see running down it.

A wooden gate leading to a field on the other side. The gate is surrounded by leafless bushes.

Looking down a large grass field with a barely visible trail running down the right edge of it. The field is surrounded by trees. — That’s the trail you want to follow

I mistakingly turned right, which lead me downhill to reach a lovely view. Something didnt feel right. My senses told me I had gone the wrong way, which was a shame. Partly because the view was nice here and I wanted to walk down the hill. Partly because going back on myself meant walking back up the hill.

Looking down through a dip in the hill to a view of the fields and trees in the distance, near the end of the walk from Oxted to Otford. — This is where I ended up

Anyway, follow the main trail you can see, and it will guide you down the hill then to the right. You will then be able to see a fence ahead with views in the distance. Go over to it. The NDW signs actually direct you on a weird detour to bring you back to that fence. It’s pointless, so don’t bother.

A dirt trail leading through the grass. There are tall leaflets trees on the right, and a view to fields and hills in the distance ahead. — Stay straight here

The big descent

Go through gate at the fence, into a big hill field which may have lots of sheep.

Follow the wide grass path as it guides you down the hill and to the left.

Standing on the top edge of a hill, looking down it as it undulates, on the walk from Oxted and Otford. There is a black dog walking on the grass, and leafless bushes and trees along the left side.

This trail will gradually take you down the hill, with a few curves, and a type of stile I have never seen before.

Looking down the hill field, to a view of patchwork fields below. The iOS a grass Traill running down the hill, and bushes lining the left side.

A metal gate in the wooden and wire fence, with a grass field on the other side down the hill. There is a leafless bush on the left side of the gate.

This is the last big hill of the walk between Oxted and Oxford (there is one small one left). I knew I was nearing the end, so I do what I usually do at this point and check the train times from Otford, then checked how long Google Maps tells me it will take to get there. 1h20 min. I was shocked. I decide not to believe it and put my phone away (it turned out to be correct).

The roads and M25

When you reach the bottom, turn left onto the main road. There is no walkway here. So you need to be super careful. A bit further along, there is a pavement you can get onto.

A wooden stile pin the straggly bushes, with a road on the other side. There is a trail signpost on the other side of the stile, pointing left. — Turn left here

Looking along a straight road, lined with leafless hedge. There is a red triangle road sign on the left, with an image of a horse in it.

Keep going and turn right onto the bridge over the M25.

Looking down along the M25, as it runs straight ahead. There are lots of cars driving along it.

After a bit of walking along the road, you will reach a junction with the Rose and Crown Pub on the left.

Two metal post, one with a red triangle give way sign, another with a North Downs Way back arrow sign pointing left. There are bushes and trees behind the signs.

A road with the white walled rose and crown pub on the left side. There is a black car driving on the road, and cars parked on the pavement on the left side. There are two people walking on the left side pavement.

Turn left after the pub, and a short way along, there is a little trail on the right (which is signposted).

A road leading straight ahead on the left, and a leafless hedge on the right. There is a wooden trail signpost next to the hedge pointing to the right through it. there is a person walking through the hedge. — Turn right here

The final stretch of the walk between Oxted and Otford

You will be on a narrow dirt trail, with a hotel with Asian stuff on the left. Keep going, and further along, the trail will lead you up a small hill. If you look to your left here, you will see some white chalk cliffs.

Looking through a gap in the green leafy bush and tree, to a dirt trail running up the edge of a hill on the other side.

Looking across a large grass field ti trees and hills with white cliffs in the distance, near the end of the walk from Oxted to Otford.

When you reach a trail split, I think you can take either. I chose the right through a little bit of woods.

A dirt trail leading through the green leafy woods, near the end of the walk from Oxted to Otford.

When you reach a crop field, walk straight across it, and over the railway line on the other side.

A dirt trial leading through the middle of a brown empty crop field.

Looking down along a railway track, lined with bushes and trees.

You will next be on a nice residential type road, passing by some houses and hedges as you make your way downhill some more.

Looking down a country road with green hedges on the right and some bushes and trees on the left.

Looking across a grass field lined with a red hedge on the other side, and some cottages past the hedge, on the walk towards Otford from Oxted.

Follow the road as it curves a bit, passing by some more nice hedges, to reach the more ‘common’ residential road.

A clean residential road, lined with neatly cute hedges on the right, and a rooftop visible over the hedges.

Looking along a residential road lined with houses. There is a parked car ahead. — Stay straight here

Stay straight, and you will soon reach the the main road. I hadn’t seen a NDW sign for a while, but one shows up here. Follow it to the right along the main road.

A leaning North Downs way sign pointing left and right, with a brown wall behind it, and a red bricked house on the other side.

Looking along the main road with cars driving along it. There are hedges on the right and the walls of a white coloured house behind the hedges.

Now it’s very easy. Stay straight and you will be lead all the way to Otford.

Otford

I didn’t know anything about Otford before I got here, but was pleasantly surprised by the quaintness and some medieval stuff.

An information board with drawings sitting behind a wooden fence eon the grass. There is a stream of water to the left.

The photo below is Pickmoss, a Grade II listed 15th/16th century building.

An old Tudor building on the road side of the road, with a stone wall leading to it.

Something which I didn’t see, but only read about after, is the worlds largest scale model of the solar system. It’s right here in Otford.

You will also find here the only listed duck pond in the whole of the country. You can find out more about the area on the Visit Otford website.

A pond with a duck house in the middle, at the end of the walk in Otford.

To get to the station, you can stay straight on the road. Or, to follow the official NDW, cross over the duck pond, and head into the church and graveyard. Follow the path through the graveyard, and the trail will soon lead you to Otford Station.

A path leading through the neatly cut grass towards a church.

A path leading through a graveyard in Otford.

A narrow path lined with a wire fence and bushes and trees forming a tunnel ahead.