Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 2 Guildford to Dorking 20km

Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 2: Guildford to Dorking.

Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!

This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.

IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 [https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly93ZW1lZXQud2Vyb2FkLmNvbS9ldmVudC8yYTkxMjBkOS05ZWM1LTRmNTgtOWQyYi1hN2Y4NDgzODZmZWM=/7DA6F6CBA072CD40CACFD77818572316B78EFA3B11AA20FCC11B6E75C8B01995?c=5&i=1&docs=1) (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0

Details

• This hike is 20km long, the longest section of this trail but with many rewards, cutting across the Surrey Hills AONB, with gentle climbs, rolling vineyards and sweeping views. There are village walks and gentle climbs along the chalk ridge above the Tillingbourne Valley, with bigger clambers up to the secluded beauty of St Martha’s Church and Newlands Corner that are well worth it for the view. The route then winds through quiet countryside and woodland before reaching Dorking.
• MEET: 08:20am, Clapham Junction. We'll catch the 08:37 train to Guildford (08.30 from Waterloo). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
• STARTING POINT: Guildford Station, 09:11am
• ENDING POINT: Dorking Station (around 3.30-4pm)

What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication

A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.

Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.

Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!