ASPIRING walkers will soon be able to trek the full length of the North Downs Way from Farnham to Dover without leaving their living rooms.

The long-distance footpath has been captured in all its 153-mile glory using a Google Street View panoramic camera as part of the Google Trekker project.

Around 15 volunteers carried the 123-kilo, 15-angle lens camera mounted on a back pack the full length of the trail earlier this summer.

The data is currently with Google for editing and should be available to view in the autumn.

North Downs Way trail manager Peter Morris hailed the success of the project but admitted the rugged terrain of the Downs presented many challenges along the way.

He said: "The problems are when you’re trying to get over a stile or through a gate which has an overhanging tree, so you’re trying to duck and climb with 23 kilos on your back.

"This all throws out your centre of gravity. So walking uphill is fine but getting over objects is a little bit more problematic."

The North Downs Way offers walkers 153 miles of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious rolling countryside, passing through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mapping of the South Downs Way which runs from Winchester to Beachy Head in East Sussex is expected to begin in the autumn.