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📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5, steep hilly ascents
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Starting in Guildford, this captivating hike flows from historic streets to the quiet waters of the River Wey, a medieval trade route that helped the town grow into a prosperous market centre. The route follows the peaceful Railway Walk before climbing sharply to the tower on Chinthurst Hill, once used as a strategic lookout point, rewarding the effort with wide-reaching views.

The landscape then opens onto the wild heathland of Blackheath, a vast common shaped by centuries of grazing and historic travel across the Downs, before descending into the wooded remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, where gunpowder was secretly manufactured for nearly 300 years, hidden deep in the valley for safety.

A steady climb leads to Newlands Corner, one of the finest viewpoints in the Surrey Hills and once a popular stop for horse-drawn coaches. From here, the route continues across classic North Downs terrain to St Martha’s Church, a solitary hilltop church long associated with pilgrimage and offering one of the most peaceful panoramas in the area.

The final ridge walk crosses Pewley Down, historically used as open grazing land above the town, before descending back into Guildford to finish beneath the ancient walls of Guildford Castle, a Norman stronghold that has overlooked the town for almost a thousand years.

Expect river paths, open heathland, hidden industry, sustained climbs, and far-reaching views, all woven into one memorable walk through the landscapes and history of the Surrey Hills.

We finish back in Guildford, with the option to join the group for a drink or to head off and do your own thing in town before making your way home.

🛑 IMPORTANT: This hike is best suited to intermediate hikers who are comfortable with sustained hill ascents and able to maintain a steady pace of around 5 to 5.5 km/h. Those new to hiking or unsure about the pace may find the terrain and elevation challenging, which could lead to separation from the group.

✅ WHO CAN JOIN:

  • Adults aged 21 and over. No children. No pets.

🚗 🅿️ BY CAR:

  • If you cannot access the station car park (which is closed at the time of writing), you may park at the shopping centre multi-storey car park.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 (London group travel):
Buy a return ticket from London Waterloo to Guildford (GLD), approximately £14.75
AdrianB will be at the meeting point to act as a focal point for the group.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 (Hike start location):

🚶 WALK STARTS:

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:

  • Regular trains run towards London. Fast and direct services include: 16:50, 17:00, 17:19, 17:50, 18:00, 18:19

🍔 LUNCH:

  • Packed lunch and snacks. We may stop in the wilderness, proper hiker style, bring as ass-pad to sit on.

💰 COST:

  • Free

🚻 TOILETS:

  • Natural facilities available during the walk

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💪 TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

  • Distance: Approximately 22 km (13.7 miles)
  • Difficulty: MODERATE
  • Ascent and descent: 504 m up, 499 m down
  • Elevation: High point 176 m, low point 30 m
  • Walking time: Around 6.5 hours, including breaks and stops
  • Pace: 5 to 5.5 km/h. Fast enough to keep warm and steady, yet relaxed enough for conversation. We will adjust as needed, with plenty of chances to enjoy the views and keep things sociable.
  • Terrain: The route follows a varied mix of riverside paths, compacted railway tracks, woodland trails, open heathland, and chalk downland. Expect well-defined footpaths throughout, with some narrow woodland sections and exposed stretches across the Downs. There are several sustained climbs, including steeper ascents onto Chinthurst Hill and the North Downs ridges, with uneven surfaces, tree roots, and chalky ground that can be slippery after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wetter conditions.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

  • Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Layers and waterproofs
  • A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
  • Sun protection
  • Personal medication
  • Basic first aid and blister plasters
  • Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
  • Fully charged phone
  • Head torch
  • Portable phone charger or power bank
  • Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
  • Whistle for emergencies
  • Offline maps or GPS
  • Some cash or a bank card

📅 RSVP POLICY: RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.

👣 STAYING TOGETHER: A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. If you are unable to keep up with the group, you may be asked to navigate your own way back to safety, as it would be unreasonable to hold up a large number of people who have signed up for an event that is above your current fitness level.

📞 CONTACT: Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.

Related topics

Events in Guildford, GB

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