Peaceful Surrey Countryside and Polesden Lacey Estate Hike 18km/11-miles

GRADE: Intermediate – 18km / 11 miles, 245m ascent

This delightful linear route starts at Effingham Junction Station and finishes at Leatherhead Station. It follows enchanting footpaths, tree-lined bridleways and other tracks crossing woodland and picturesque fields, providing a refreshing change of scenery to a weary city-dweller. Despite being relatively flat and quite close to London, it is a proper countryside hike.

ROUTE:
From Effingham Junction Station, we head south via Effingham Common and Greatlee Wood, crossing several different but for the most part connected areas of woodland, until we reach Pump Pond Wood (interestingly, the map doesn’t seem to show any ponds in this location). From here, we continue north and then north-east through Six Acre Copse, Stars Wood and Big High Grove, as well as some gently undulating fields.

After about 9km, we arrive at Polesden Lacey, an Edwardian Estate and House which once hosted the future king George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother during the first part of their 1923 honeymoon. Today, the estate is owned by the National Trust, with all usual facilities making for a perfect lunch stop.

The second half of the hike leads through the Polesden Lacey Estate and then a mixture of fields and more woodland, as we continue east and then north-east towards the picturesque town of Leatherhead, which developed beside a ford on the River Mole. Before reaching the town, we make another short stop at Bocketts Farm Old Barn Tearooms to grab a takeaway coffee or a slice of yummy cake. We then hike the last 2 miles to the station, from where there are frequent trains to London.

COST: £10 organiser fee paid on RSVP

MEETING POINT and TIME: Effingham Junction Station, 10:25am.

HIKE STARTS: 10:25 from Effingham Junction Station

TRAINS: 09:32am South Western Railway direct service from London Waterloo arriving at Effingham Junction at 10:24, journey time 52 minutes. You can also join this train at Clapham Junction at 09:41, or at Wimbledon at 09:48am.

🎫 Train fare is not included – please purchase your own return ticket in advance or on the day. 🚆 Book online via our affiliate link: 👉 Trainline Booking (Affiliate)
Using this link helps support our group at no extra cost to you.

Return ticket from London to Effingham Junction (Leatherhead is on the same line) is £12.70 or £8.45 with Network Railcard or Group Saver when buying your ticket and travelling with minimum 2 others.

RETURN: Trains to London Waterloo leave Leatherhead at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour on 27 July.

LUNCH: Packed lunch, picnic – please bring your lunch, a few snacks and about 1.5l -2l of water/tea. There’s a National Trust café at Polesden Lacey where you can also get something to eat and drink.

HIKE FINISHES: approximately 16:00 at Leatherhead Station. Finish times depend on pace of the group on the day, which is influenced by a number of variable factors. This is a rough estimate, not a guarantee. Consider yourself committed for the day.

HIKE LEADER: Eliza 07990 489040

### 💬 What to Expect

Our hikes are social, inclusive, and fun. Expect a welcoming community of Londoners, expats, solo walkers, professionals, and nature lovers. Most people join solo – and leave with new friends.

### ✅ RSVP Now

Spaces are limited – RSVP “Yes” to secure your place.

What to bring: lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear.
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