FREE HIKE 23km | Exploring Polesden Lacey and the Surrey Hills

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾🥾 Level 4/5

SUMMARY:
🥾 23.3km (14.5miles) | Point-to-Point | Ascent: 658 | Descent: 659m |~7hours (with breaks)
🚆 Train from London Victoria Train station | Direct
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Victoria train station - Main ticket office | 08:20 (Train is at 08:41)
2- Box Hill & Westhumble outside train station | 09:40
📍 Hike start: Box Hill & Westhumble outside train station | 09:45
🏁 Hike finish: Dorking train station | approx. 17:00
⚠️ Sunset will be around 16:16, so it might get a bit dark towards the end. Please bring a head torch or hand light just in case!

📖ABOUT:
Join us for a stunning countryside walk through the heart of the Surrey Hills! We’ll start from Westhumble, making our way through Polesden Lacey’s beautiful estate and across rolling green hills with sweeping views of the Surrey countryside. Expect open meadows, ancient woodlands, and some of the area’s most picturesque scenery.
The route continues toward Dorking, passing through the famous Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest vineyards, a perfect ending to a refreshing day outdoors.

🌟HIGHLIGHTS:

• Westhumble Chapel: A peaceful 12th century ruin tucked among the trees.
• Polesden Lacey Estate: Once the lavish Edwardian home of Mrs. Margaret Greville, renowned for hosting royalty and high society at her grand weekend parties.
• Rolling Surrey Hills: Open countryside and classic English scenery.
• Denbies Hillside Nature Reserve: Chalk downland with wide views across the vineyards.
• Denbies Wine Estate: One of England’s largest vineyards, established in 1986. The estate spans over 260 acres of vines on south facing slopes that were once part of the original Denbies Manor lands dating back to the 18th century. Today it produces award-winning English wines.

💡TIPS:

• Footwear: Wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Paths around Polesden Lacey and Denbies Hillside can be muddy and slippery after rain. 🥾
• Clothing: Dress warmly in layers, including a hat and gloves. A windproof and waterproof jacket is essential, as open sections can be breezy. 💨
• ⚠️ Sunset will be around 16:16, so it might get a bit dark towards the end. Please bring a head torch or hand light just in case!

💷Cost: Free

🚆TRAINS | Direct

• Outbound: 08:41 from London Victoria train station
• Arrive Box Hill & Westhumble 09:37
• Inbound from Dorking approx 17:00
• Visit National Rail for details

⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME:

• 2 Options

1- London Victoria Train station - Front of Ticket office | 08:20
2- Box Hill & Westhumble outside train station | 09:40

• Hike start: Outside Box Hill & Westhumble train station | 09:45
• Hike finish: Dorking train station | Approx. 17:00

🚏DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: 23.3km (14.5miles)
• Ascent: 658m
• Descent: 669m
• Max elevation: 211m
• Grading: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5
• Time: Approx. 7 hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 4-5 km/h (~2.5-3.1 mph)

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
• A head torch or hand light

✅Who Can Join
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over.
• 👶 For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children.
• 🐾 We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes.
• ☑️ Everyone is welcome to RSVP, but to keep things fair for all members:
- If someone often cancels last minute or misses hikes without notice, they may be placed on a waitlist or removed from the group for future events.
- We do a quick check-in on the day of the hike, which helps us keep track and make sure spaces are available for those who really want to join.

⚠️SAFETY:
As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

❗️NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

🚨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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By attending this 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.