Epsom Downs

In conjunction with Chiltern Explorers. (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/)

Walk length 11 miles (approx)

This walk takes in the delights of Epsom downs an area of chalk upland in Surrey, with various features from the views of the racecourse at Epsom to great panoramic views of the countryside at Colley Hill.

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Epsom Downs Racecourse

Racing on Epsom Downs started in the 17th Century and today the Race Course hosts one of Britain's most prestigious races know as The Derby or Epsom Derby, which takes place in June each year.

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Some of the countryside along the downs

An interesting feature on this walk is the site of a number of cast iron posts painted white with the City of London coat of arms. The posts were installed in 1861 to define a taxation boundary. Tax was imposed on coal brought into the city of London, the money was used to help pay for re-building of London after the great Fire of 1666.

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View towards Box Hill from Colley Hill

Colley Hill (the sixth highest point in Surrey at 750ft) on the North Downs Way, is also close to the more famous Box Hill. At the end of the walk and depending on time we may also walk to another viewing point, this time of the urban sprawl of London near Tattenham Corner.

Meeting: Meet outside Tattenham Corner Rail station for 10.00am for the walk to start at 10.15am.

Lunch & Finish: Please bring a packed lunch and water for the walk. Our walks usually finish at about 5.00pm and include a 30min lunch stop and pub stop, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace (we have a relaxed pace which includes sightseeing and photography).

Transport:

Car: Various free car parking close to the station. The Lunch Box kiosk car park, which is off London Road and near the Junction with Tattenham Corner Road is 5 mins walk from the rail station at Tattenham Corner. This is a circular walk and finishes back at the Rail Station (please leave enough time to park).

Train: The 9.20am train form London Bridge gets to Tattenham Corner station for 10.09am. See Southern Railway (http://www.southernrailway.com/)

I would encourage you to seek out other members who are driving from London, or who can go as part of a group save on the train.

Weather: If serious rainy weather is forecast 48 hours before the walk, then this event may be cancelled.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681 and Leon 07950125826.

RSVP: If you can't make this walk please change your RSVP a day before the start of the walk.

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)