Explore Surrey’s autumn woodlands, vineyards and historic Polesden Lacey

Discover the best of the Surrey Hills on this rewarding hike through commons, woods and rolling parkland to the Polesden Lacey Estate, where we'll break for lunch. In the afternoon we'll cross Ranmoor Common to Denbies, England’s largest vineyard, before finishing at Box Hill & Westhumble station or the Stepping Stones pub.

An excellent blend of history, scenery and refreshment, this walk showcases the best of the Surrey Hills in a single day out. And, importantly, you’ll be able to get home in time for Halloween and fireworks parties!

SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)

Distance: 17km/11miles
Ascent: 270 metres
Duration: 5 hours walking
Grade: Moderate, along good paths with one short steep climb.

COST AND LOGISTICS
Cost: £10
Meet: 09.55am Effingham Junction Station
Hike start: 10.00am Effingham Junction Station
Hike finish: 4.30pm Box Hill and Westhumble Station / Stepping Stones pub
Recommended morning trains from London
09:03 Dep: London Waterloo
09:51 Arr: Effingham Junction

Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Effingham Junction

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Starting from Effingham Junction Station, this rewarding hike leads out across Effingham Common, a mix of open grassland and woodland paths, before winding through Greatlee Wood, Pump Pond Wood and the Six Acre Copse, before threading through Stars Wood and the tall trees of Big High Grove.

We’ll emerge into the landscaped grounds of Polesden Lacey, an Edwardian Estate and House that hosted the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother during their honeymoon in 1923. We will pause here for lunch while enjoying views of the Surrey Hills.

After lunch, we’ll cross the Polesden Lacey Estate, with its rolling parkland, before heading over Ranmoor Common, where sandy tracks and heathland open out towards Denbies Vineyard, England’s largest vineyard, producing award-winning wines and offering lovely views across the surrounding hills. We’ll make another stop here– perhaps with a glass of local wine!

The last stretch will see us descend towards Box Hill & Westhumble Station, with the option of rounding off the day with a drink at the friendly Stepping Stones pub by the River Mole.

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)

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Suitable hiking shoes or boots
• 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

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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