New Year on the Downs: Kick off 2026 with a winter ramble!

Start the year with a refreshing walk from Merstham to the foot of Box Hill. We’ll follow sections of the North Downs Way, taking in steady climbs, tree-lined trails and wide views across the Surrey Hills. The route offers a mix of peaceful woodland, open chalk downs and classic countryside scenery, with plenty of chances to pause and enjoy the landscape. As we approach Box Hill, we’ll drop down to the River Mole and finish at the Stepping Stones pub – an inviting spot for anyone who wants to raise a glass (soft or otherwise) to the first hike of the year.

SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)

Distance: 18km/11 miles linear route
Ascent: 450 metres
Duration: 4h 30m walking
Grade: Intermediate, shortish walk along good paths, with some energetic ascents

COST AND LOGISTICS

Cost: £10
Start: 10.40am Merstham Station
Finish: 4pm Box Hill and Westhumble Station / Stepping Stones pub

Recommended morning train from London
10:05 Dep: London Victoria
10:36 Arr: Merstham
or
09:55 Dep: London Bridge
10:26 Arr: Merstham

All stations are in the Oyster/Contactless Zone

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

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

CANCELLING/REFUNDS

If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', 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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