FREE HIKE 35km | Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge

SUMMARY:
🥾 Distance: 35 km (22 miles)
⬆️ Ascent: 954m | ⬇️ Descent: 970m
🏔️ Elevation: Max 294m | Min 40m
📍 Start/Finish: Box Hill & Westhumble Station
🚆 Transport: Direct train access from London
🕘 Meet Time: 08:45 | Start: 09:00 | Finish: ~18:30
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 9 hours
🌿 Terrain: Varied – woodlands, rolling hills, open fields, vineyards
📈 Grade: MODERATE/STRENUOUS – for experienced hikers with good fitness

ABOUT
Embark on an epic day hike through the heart of the Surrey Hills, tackling its three highest summits:

• Box Hill (224m)
• Leith Hill (294m)
• Holmbury Hill (261m)

This 35 km route is nearly as long as the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, earning it the nickname "The Yorkshire Cousins", all within easy reach of London.

You’ll wind through the stunning landscapes of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with panoramic views, ancient woodlands, vineyards, and scenic trails. It’s not just a hike, it’s a serious endurance challenge, ideal for training toward bigger adventures like the National Three Peaks, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, or Mount Toubkal.

With over 950m of total elevation gain across rolling terrain, it's a challenging hike with cumulative effort, not far off the gain you'd see summiting a mountain like Ben Nevis. This hike is meant for fit and experienced hikers. You should be comfortable walking at least 30 km with hills and carrying your own gear.

HIGHLIGHTS
🏞 Summit Surrey’s Three Highest Peaks: Conquer Box Hill, Leith Hill, and Holmbury Hill in one epic day.
🌄 Ben Nevis-Level Effort: A serious workout with incredible views, over 950m of cumulative gain.
🚶‍♂️ Endurance Challenge: Push your limits on a 35 km hike perfect for high-altitude trek preparation.
🌿 Scenic Beauty: Traverse rolling countryside, vineyards, and ancient forests in a protected AONB.
📍 London-Friendly Adventure: Big mountain energy—just a train ride away.
🎯 Perfect Training Hike: Ideal prep for anyone training for bucket-list summits or expeditions.

MEETING POINT
📍 Location: Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station Car Park
🕘 Meet Time: 08:45
🚶‍♂️ Start: 09:00 sharp
🕔 Finish: Approx. 18:30 (same location)
🥪 Lunch: Approx. 12:00–13:00 depending on pace and location

TRAINS:

• Direct trains from: London Horsham, Dorking

COST:
💰 Free

GUIDE:
🧭 See attendee list

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

• Distance: 35 km (22 miles)
• Grading: MODERATE/STRENUOUS
• Duration: ~9 hours
• Pace: Brisk – around 5 to 6 km/h

WHAT TO BRING
✅ 2 litres of water (minimum)
✅ Snacks and a packed lunch
✅ Waterproof or rainproof clothing
✅ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
✅ First aid kit (include blister plasters & insect bite cream)
✅ Charged phone with GPS or map
✅ Optional: Long sleeves/trousers (protection from ticks, brambles, nettles)
✅ Sun protection.

NOTES:

• Box Hill has areas of shiny and slippery chalk.

SAFETY

• ⚠️ Important: This is a self-guided group hike. Participants must be confident in navigation and responsible for their own safety and transport if unable to continue or remain with the group.
• As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

General Group Policy

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

Final Acknowledgement
By attending an event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.