FREE HIKE 27km | The Kentish Downs Garden & Woodland Trail

Set out on a scenic, tough 27 km (17 miles) history-rich adventure from the charming town of Oxted. The route leads through rolling commons, nationally protected landscapes, picturesque villages, and sweeping viewpoints. Blending woodland trails, open countryside, and panoramic ridges, it promises a rewarding day out across the Surrey Hills and the Greensand Ridge on the Kent border.

We begin in Oxted, a town full of character and history, where timber-framed buildings and Victorian façades tell stories from centuries past. From here, we cross Limpsfield Common and wander into the countryside around Westerham, passing landmarks such as Tenchleys Manor, a striking Elizabethan house dating back to 1599, and the colourful Edwardian gardens of Emmetts.

Bring your National Trust card if you’d like to explore Emmetts garden during the lunch break. (Last time, I was able to enter without needing to show my card, but this may vary.)

The trail continues past Chartwell, the much-loved home of Sir Winston Churchill, where he painted many of his landscapes. We also visit Crockham Hill, where Octavia Hill, social reformer and co-founder of the National Trust, is buried, before climbing to Toys Hill, one of the highest points on the Greensand Ridge, offering the sweeping views that helped inspire the founding of the Trust.

This isn’t just a hike, it’s a journey through a changing landscape. One moment you’re walking beneath woodland canopies alive with birdsong; the next you’re crossing open commons or pausing to take in far-reaching views across the Weald. The constant variety makes every step rewarding.

Our hike ends back in Oxted around 16:30–17:00 with the option of a celebratory pub stop before boarding the train home, a fitting close to a day well spent. 🌇 Sunset ~18:00 (bring a head torch in case the group is delayed).

🛑 IMPORTANT: THIS HIKE IS FOR INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WALKERS WITH GOOD FITNESS AND NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS.

✅ WHO CAN JOIN:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Adults aged 21 and over
• 👶 For safety reasons, no children
• 🐾 No pets (some members have allergies or phobias)
• 🚫 If you have a history of no-shows, you may be moved to the waitlist

📅 RSVP POLICY:
Please RSVP only if you can attend, and update your response if your plans change. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations could limit your ability to join future events. On the day, we will check in attendees individually to confirm attendance; anyone who does not turn up will be marked as a no-show.

🚆 TRAIN COSTS FROM LONDON:

• Super Off-Peak Return: £15.20 (or £10.10 with a Network Railcard) from London Terminals → Oxted (OTX).
• We don’t arrange group tickets, but if you arrive early you may be able to team up with others who have a Railcard. Buying your own ticket gives you flexibility to return at a time that suits you. If you hike regularly, a Network Railcard costs £30/year and pays for itself within a few trips.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 - (London departure):

• 08:00 – Meet at London Victoria station ticket office
• 08:10 – Leave the meeting point and board the train
• 08:20 – Train departs London Victoria (direct to Oxted)
• 09:01 – Train arrives Oxted

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 - (Join at Oxted):

• 09:01 – Regroup at Oxted station entrance (Station Road East)

🚶 WALK STARTS:

• 09:05 – Oxted station entrance (after check-in is completed)
• We start early to make the most of the available daylight.

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• Approx. 16:30–17:00 – Oxted station entrance

↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:

• 17:23 – Direct to London Victoria (arrives 18:02)
• Additional direct trains also run to London Bridge

🍔 LUNCH:

• Bring a packed lunch and snacks. We’ll stop at Emmetts tea room (café, toilets, indoor and outdoor seating) around 12 km / ~3 hours into the walk.

🚻 TOILETS:

• On the train before we begin walking
• Emmetts tea room at lunchtime
• “Nature facilities” during the hike as needed

👣 STAYING TOGETHER:
Stay in sight of others. If you’re in front, pause at junctions; if you’re at the back, keep someone ahead in view. We all share responsibility for staying together.

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY

• Distance: 27 km (≈17 miles)
• Difficulty: MODERATE/STRENUOUS
• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
• Ascent/Descent: 521 m ↑ / 508 m ↓
• High/Low: 244 m / 77 m
• Average pace: 4.5–5.5 km/h — steady and brisk (fast enough to keep warm, slow enough to chat)
• Walking time: ~7 hours
• Total time incl. breaks: ~8 hours

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• At least 2 L of water
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproofs
• Sun protection
• Medication and basic first aid
• Daypack (optional: walking poles)
• Fully charged phone & battery pack
• Head torch

📞CONTACT:

• Message the event host directly via Meetup with any questions.

...
⚠️OUTDOOR GROUP POLICY & DISCLAIMER
1. Purpose and Nature of the Group
We are a volunteer-led hiking community, not a business, guiding service, or first aid provider. All activities are peer-led and informal. You are responsible for your own safety, actions, and wellbeing.
2. Participation & Risk

• By attending, you accept that hiking involves risks such as:
• Personal injury, illness, or accidents
• Sudden weather changes
• Challenging terrain (mud, cliffs, rivers, etc.)
• Wildlife encounters
• Navigational challenges

You are expected to:

• Honestly assess your fitness and experience
• Prepare appropriately for the route and weather
• Bring your own supplies (water, food, first aid kit)
• Carry a charged phone and offline navigation tools
• Arrange personal accident insurance if desired.

Organisers may decline participation if safety is a concern.

3. Code of Conduct
3.1 Safety & Behaviour

• Follow all safety advice and local laws
• No smoking, vaping, or drug use during hikes
• No alcohol unless explicitly permitted
• No loud music or headphones in situations requiring awareness
• Communicate with the group if you become separated. Separation is strongly discouraged.

Unsafe or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated.
We’re committed to maintaining a friendly, respectful, and welcoming space for all. If you ever experience any interactions, inside or outside the group, that make you feel uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
3.2 Emergency Preparedness

• Bring suitable clothing for changing conditions
• Know local emergency contact numbers
• Understand that rescue may not be possible or guaranteed

3.3 Respect for Nature

• Leave No Trace. Take your rubbish home.
• Stay on marked paths to protect the environment
• Do not disturb wildlife or remove plants
• Respect landowners, close gates, and follow signs

3.4 Respect for Others

• Be considerate of fellow hikers and other trail users
• Offer help when appropriate, but know that rescue is not guaranteed
• Disruptive behaviour may result in permanent removal from the group

4. Participation Rules

• Adults aged 21 and over
• No children or pets on our hikes
• Read the event description and difficulty before attending
• Organisers may change or cancel events due to weather, safety, or availability

5. Communication & Navigation

• Bring a map, GPS, or offline navigation app
• Let the organiser know if you leave the group
• Share your emergency contact info with someone you trust before the hike

6. Photo and Media

• Photos may be shared in group chats or on social media.

If you do not wish to appear in photos, please inform the organiser before the event.

• Members must use a clear, real profile photo. Fake or AI-generated images are not allowed. Contact us if you need a privacy-friendly alternative.

7. Event Cancellations and Changes

• Events may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice due to weather, safety concerns, or organiser availability.

Check for updates before travelling.

8. Behaviour & Consequences

• Members are expected to act respectfully and responsibly.
• Violations of these rules may result in removal from events or permanent exclusion from the group.

✅ Final Acknowledgement
By joining any activity, you confirm that you:

• Have read and understood the group rules and Outdoor Group Policy & Disclaimer.
• Accept full responsibility for your safety.
• Acknowledge that organisers and the group accept no liability.
• Agree to follow these guidelines so we can all enjoy the hikes together.