Please 🙏 Read Details Carefully before you RSVP.
Important Highlights:
- Event is age restricted for people between the ages of 19 and 59.
- To guarantee your participation send a screenshot of your meetup profile to WhatsApp number 075 90919391 . Will then add you to WhatsApp GROUP FOR this event after you make payment for £5 hike guide fee.
- This event is advertised on 3 other Meetup Groups so we will have more people joining us from 3 other Meetup Groups.
- All the final details you will Need to Experience this hike will be shared Via the WhatsApp Group Chat. Such as exact meeting point and the time we expect to complete the hike.
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🌳 Surrey Hills AONB 12-Mile Circular Hike – History, Hills & Hidden Gems! 🥾
⏰ Meet Time: 8:20 AM at London Waterloo Station (for GroupSave train tickets)
🚆 Train: Departs ~8:30 AM → Arrives Guildford around 9:30–9:45 AM
📍 Start & Finish: Guildford Station (Start 10:00 AM – Finish approx. 6:00–7:00 PM)
📏 Distance: Approx. 12 miles (19 km)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate – mostly gentle with some hilly sections.
⛰️ Terrain: Woodland trails, chalk hills, riverside paths (can be muddy in places)
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🌄 About the Surrey Hills AONB
Welcome to one of England’s most stunning landscapes — the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 🌿. Designated in 1958, this protected region forms part of the North Downs, a chain of chalk hills stretching from Farnham to Dover.
Known for its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, hidden valleys, and open farmland, the Surrey Hills has inspired writers, artists, and poets for centuries — including Jane Austen and John Keats, who admired its peaceful scenery.
The area is dotted with historic churches, medieval ruins, and charming English villages, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and heritage.
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🥾 About the Hike
This 12-mile circular route begins and ends at Guildford Station, taking us through some of the most beautiful and historically fascinating spots in the Surrey Hills. Expect sweeping countryside views, peaceful woodland paths, and plenty of photo stops along the way 📸.
We’ll be exploring:
⛪ St Martha’s Church on the Hill
Our trail will take us up to St Martha’s Church, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Surrey Hills. Sitting high on St Martha’s Hill, this historic church dates back to the 12th century, and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the North Downs and the Weald.
The church, dedicated to St Martha of Bethany, was once a medieval pilgrimage site on the Old Pilgrims’ Way between Winchester and Canterbury. To this day, people visit for its spiritual tranquillity, spectacular scenery, and peaceful atmosphere — it’s truly a magical spot 🌄✨.
💥 Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
Deep in the woods near Chilworth lies the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills, a fascinating glimpse into England’s industrial past. Founded in the 1620s, these mills produced gunpowder for over 300 years, supplying the British military during the Napoleonic Wars and World War I ⚔️.
Today, the site is a scheduled ancient monument, with beautiful riverside paths winding among moss-covered ruins and information boards that bring history to life. It’s a peaceful yet powerful reminder of the area’s contribution to Britain’s past 💣🌿.
🍇 Passing a Famous Vineyard
During our route, we’ll pass by one of Surrey’s well-known vineyards, where the gentle slopes and chalky soil make ideal conditions for English sparkling wine production. The views across the vines are simply stunning — perfect for a photo stop 📷🍷.
🏰 Guildford Town & Castle
We’ll also spend some time exploring Guildford, a charming market town rich in history. The highlight is Guildford Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror’s son. Its tower and gardens are beautifully preserved, offering a lovely spot to end our day 🏰🌸.
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🍽️ Lunch & Breaks
We’ll stop for lunch around 12:30–1:00 PM near a scenic viewpoint or quiet picnic area.
Please bring your own packed lunch 🥪, plenty of snacks, and at least 2 litres of water 💧.
There will be regular short breaks for rest, refreshments, and photos throughout the day 📸.
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🎒 What to Bring
✅ Comfortable hiking boots or waterproof shoes (can be muddy!)
✅ 2 litres of water minimum 💧
✅ Packed lunch & snacks 🍏
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing (rain jacket, layers, sun protection 🌦️)
✅ A small backpack 🎒
✅ Good vibes and a friendly smile 😊
BRING A TORCH 🔦 OR A HEAD TORCH 🔦 JUST IN CASE WE FINISH THE FINAL STRETCH OF THE HIKE AFTER SUNSET.
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🚆 Travel Plan
We’ll meet at London Waterloo Station at 8:20 AM to arrange GroupSave train tickets (to get discounted fares 💸).
The train departs around 8:30 or 8:50 AM, arriving in Guildford around 9:35–9:45 AM.
We’ll start hiking at 10:10 AM sharp.
Return trains from Guildford to London run frequently (every 15–20 minutes).
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🌿 Highlights of the Day
✨ Explore the beautiful Surrey Hills AONB
⛪ Visit the historic St Martha’s Church
💥 Discover the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
🍇 Walk past a beautiful Surrey vineyard
🏰 Visit Guildford Castle & historic town centre
🌄 Enjoy breathtaking countryside views
🤝 Meet like-minded hikers & outdoor lovers
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💚 Why Join Us?
🌞 A full day of hiking, history, and nature
🏞️ One of England’s most beautiful countryside areas
📖 Learn about local heritage while exploring scenic trails
🥾 A great moderate challenge (12 miles)
🌿 Perfect for nature lovers & photographers alike
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✨ Join Us for an Unforgettable Day in the Surrey Hills!
Escape the city, breathe the fresh country air, and explore the historic heart of the Surrey Hills AONB with friendly, like-minded hikers.
Let’s make memories, discover hidden history, and enjoy one of England’s most scenic hiking routes together 🌳💚
👉 RSVP early – limited spaces for this countryside adventure!
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💬 Why You’ll Love It
This hike is perfect for:
🌿 Nature lovers who enjoy scenic countryside walks
📸 Photographers looking for stunning panoramic views
💪 Hikers wanting a moderate challenge near London
🤝 Anyone keen to meet friendly, like-minded outdoor people
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💚 Let’s Go!
Escape the city and spend a day exploring one of England’s most beloved natural landmarks. Fresh air, gorgeous views, and great company — what more could you ask for? 🌞
👉 RSVP early to secure your spot!
(Similar events often fill up fast!)
Host Is First Aid Trained. Host Is experienced and qualified hiking and Mountain Leader.
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Meeting Point
Meet under the main Central Clock.
London Waterloo station 8.15 am prompt - for the 9.00am train to guildford. Try to get there earlier than 8:20 am so you will have time to find the group.
From Guildford Station we will walk The North Downs Way to Martha’s Hill and more. Enjoy the Outdoors. Relaxed pace) (2 miles per hour).
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By purchasing the Train tickets in groups of 3 or more people together we will save 30% on Train tickets.
Your return group train travel will be approx. £14 per person from London Waterloo Station.
You can also meet us at Guildford train station at 9.35 or travel by car and park in various paid car parks in Guildford. This is down to you to find and meet us outside Guildford Train Station at 9.35 am Prompt.
Planned arrival time back to London Waterloo will be 6:30 to 7:00 pm.
Please join the whatsApp Group. So you can communicate with each other on the day of the event. So you can find each other. 07590 919391
Our hike will take us through beautiful countryside, expansive open woodlands along the River Way. Guildford is famous for its historic buildings and cobbled street, of which we will see many, there are truly breathtaking views from St Martha’s Hill for as far as you can see.
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Difficulty level
Intermediate Level
Hiking time:
6 hours moving time.
7 hours when You include the photo breaks in between.
Distance 12 miles. Some 3 or 4 steep hilly areas.
What to bring
Suitable hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking shoes. Hat gloves if cold, water proof jacket and trousers. Dress appropriately for the weather
Hiking boots are advisable. Some areas during the hike will be dense and muddy.
Clarification on the weather will be posted Via WhatsApp nearer to the walk.
Probability of rainfall is not important. Volume of rainfall expected is more important information than probability of rainfall.
