FREE HIKE 16 km | The North Downs - Ranmore Common - Polesden Lacey

SUMMARY:
🥾 16 km (10 miles) | Circular | Ascent: 343 m | Duration: ~5 hours
📍 Start & Finish: Box Hill & Westhumble Station | 🚆 Train from London Waterloo (09:03)
🕘 Meet: 09:50 | Start: 10:00 | Finish: ~15:30
🌳 Terrain: Varied – woodlands, hills, open fields, vineyards
📈 Grade: EASY/MODERATE
(includes some steady climbs)
☕ Breaks: Polesden Lacey (café, toilets) & Denbies Vineyard
⚠️ Note: Can be muddy after rain – wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
🚶The event is intended for relaxed, slow-paced casual hikers and is not intended for fast-paced hiking.

DETAILS:
Discover a scenic and varied circular trail near Holmwood, winding through some of Surrey’s most picturesque countryside and woodland.

This moderately challenging route is popular with hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and horse riders. It forms a rewarding circuit around Ranmore Common, showcasing tranquil woodlands, open heathland, and sweeping views across the North Downs.

The trail passes through Norbury Park, a landscape of ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, and river valleys. The area is known for its biodiversity and historical significance, including ancient yew trees and archaeological discoveries.

We visit the Polesden Lacey Visitor Centre, home to an elegant Edwardian house surrounded by landscaped gardens. Facilities include a café, museum (entry fees apply), and toilets—making it an ideal spot for lunch or a short break. The house was remodelled in 1906 by socialite Margaret Greville, Polesden Lacey was later gifted to the National Trust. In the 1920s–30s, it hosted royalty including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, with hilltop views over the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The route includes steady climbs, stony tracks, and occasional stretches alongside roads and woodland paths. After rainfall, sections can become muddy, so waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
While there are one or two longer, less scenic stretches, the trail rewards walkers with peaceful woodland paths, open fields, panoramic viewpoints, and even a working vineyard.

The return leg passes Denbies Hillside and St Barnabas Church on Ranmore Common—a striking Victorian church built in 1859—before descending to Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England. The estate spans approximately 627 acres, with around 200 acres under vine, and offers scenic walking trails through the rolling hills of the Mole Valley.

After a visit to the Denbies Vineyard Visitor Centre, we complete the loop and return to Box Hill & Westhumble Station.

HIGHLIGHTS:
🌲 Forests, wildflowers, fields, vineyard, scenic views, wildlife
⛰️ A few moderate climbs for a rewarding challenge
☕ Café and toilets at Polesden Lacey, Denbies Visitor Centre

COST

• Free

TRAINS:

• Outbound/Return: Trains from/to: London Victoria, London Waterloo and Horsham (check National Rail for time)

MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Meet: 09:50 at Box Hill & Westhumble Railway Station
• Walk starts: 10:00
• Walk finishes: Approx. 15:30 at Box Hill & Westhumble Station
• Lunch: Approx. 12:00 depending on pace.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

• Total distance: Approx. 16 km (10 miles)
• Ascent/Descent: 343 m / 342 m
• Max elevation: 214 m | Min elevation: 46 m
• Grade: EASY/MODERATE (some moderate climbs) - 🚶The event is intended for relaxed, slow-paced casual hikers and is not intended for fast-paced hiking.
• Time: Approx. 5 hours (including breaks)
• Pace: Slow/Moderate: 5 km/h

GUIDE:

• See attendee list

WHAT TO BRING

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
• First aid kit (include insect bite cream and blister plasters)
• Optional: Long sleeves and trousers (for protection from ticks, brambles, and nettles)

⚠️ SAFETY:

• 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.