Surrey Hills - Peaceful woodland, historic villages and stunning views - 24km

Join us for this scenic hike through peaceful woodland, historic villages, vineyards and some of Surrey’s most iconic viewpoints. With a couple of decent ascents, this is a perfect day hike for energetic lovers of nature, history and expansive countryside vistas.

DESCRIPTION

From Holmwood Station, after a brief stretch through quiet country lanes and wooded footpaths, we’ll begin a steady ascent through ancient woodland to Leith Hill, the highest point in Southeast England. On a clear day, we’ll have expansive views from London to the South Downs.

Continuing northwest along the Greensand Way, we’ll descend gently into deep woodland, before rising again to the open summit of Holmbury Hill, where another panoramic view will reward us.

From there, the trail drops into the charming village of Holmbury St Mary, a quiet and quintessentially English hamlet, ideal for a break at a local pub or a picnic lunch on the Green.

The route then undulates through more wooded trails and across open fields as it approaches the historic Wotton Estate. We'll pass near Wotton House, an elegant 17th-century country house once home to diarist John Evelyn. The footpaths here are peaceful and less travelled, skirting the edge of parkland and offering glimpses of pastures and grazing livestock.

From Wotton, the trail begins a long, gradual climb toward Ranmore Common, traversing the lower slopes of the North Downs. The woodland here is made up of towering beech and oak trees forming a green tunnel overhead. Emerging from the woods onto the open edge of the common, we’ll have more sweeping views over the Mole Valley below.

The final stretch of the hike will follow part of the North Downs Way, descending past Denbies Wine Estate — one of England’s largest vineyards — and finishing at Box Hill and Westhumble Station, or the Stepping Stones pub with its large garden, whichever you choose!

SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)

Distance: c 24km/15 miles linear route
Ascent: 670 metres
Duration: 6 hours walking
Grade: Intermediate, along good paths, with three moderately energetic climbs

COST AND LOGISTICS

Cost: £10
Meet: 9.50am Holmwood Station
Hike start: 10am Holmwood Station
Hike finish: 5pm approx - Box Hill and Westhumble Station / Stepping Stones pub

Recommended morning train from London
08:41 Dep: Victoria
09:47 Arr: Holmwood

Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Holmwood

PRICE INCLUDES

• Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel costs
• Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
• PayPal fees

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)

• Suitable hiking shoes or boots
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water - 2 litres recommended
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
• Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
• Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer make the hike, please update your RSVP to say 'No', to allow others to buy your place. If the hike is full, we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.

We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted
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