The Scarp & Ridge Odyssey: 30K Conquest of the Surrey Hills

An Unforgiving, Panoramic Ridge Line Excursion Across the Surrey Hills
Step off the beaten path and onto the high chalk spine of the North Downs for a 29.9-kilometre physical achievement! This isn't a casual Saturday stroll—this is a high-tempo, continuous-pacing ridge walk engineered for active outdoor enthusiasts who want real vertical gain, wide-open views, and serious trail miles.
We hit the ground running in historic Reigate, immediately assaulting the scarp wall to claim the sweeping heights of Colley Hill and Reigate Hill. From there, we navigate the atmospheric, ancient expanses of Headley Heath, tackle technical woodland climbs, and slice through deep chalk gullies before taking on the iconic ridge lines of Box Hill.

### 📊 THE TRAIL SPECS

• Grade: Hard Strenuous 🥾🥾🥾🥾
• Distance: ~29.7 km
• Elevation Gain: ~1,031 m
• Duration: ~8 to 8.5 hours (moving with steady intent)
• Terrain: Steep scarp climbs, open chalk turf, technical woodland tracks, and sweeping downland descents.

### 🌲 THE SCENIC LINEUP

• 🏛️ Reigate Hill Fort & Inglis Memorial: High-altitude Victorian strongholds offering massive, uninterrupted looks down across the Weald.
• ⛰️ Colley Hill & Millennium Ridge: Soaring chalk turf where the horizon stretches for miles in every direction.
• 🌿 Headley Heath: A vast, wilderness-like expanse of rare heathland, hidden valleys, and winding sand tracks.
• 🏞️ Juniper Bottom & Box Hill: Winding through ancient chalk gullies and descending to cross the River Mole near the finish line.
• 🍻 Post-Trail Celebration: We finish the day at a classic country pub near the station for a cold drink, proper food, and post-hike group chats.

### 🕓 SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS

• MEETING TIME: Directly at Reigate Station at 9:14 AM. There are regular trains from Victoria / Clapham / Farringdon station to Reigate.
• TICKETS: If traveling by train buy a return ticket to Box Hill & Westhumble (or use Contactless/Oyster where applicable).
  (Note: This is a linear route starting at Reigate Station and ending at Box Hill & Westhumble Station).
• HIKE START: 09:20 AM sharp at Reigate Station.
• LUNCH: Packed Lunch on the trail.
• HIKE FINISH: ~18:00 at Box Hill & Westhumble Station. (No guarantees!)

### 👥 WHO IS THIS HIKE FOR?

Curated strictly for experienced hikers, runners, and fitness enthusiasts who want a genuine physical milestone. Covering 29.9 km and over 1111 meters of vertical gain requires solid endurance, confidence on hilly terrain, and a fast, continuous walking pace.
Not suitable for beginners. We keep regroup stops brief and efficient to maximize daylight and finish together as a strong pack.

### 🎒 MANDATORY KIT

✅ Trail shoes or hiking boots with deep, aggressive grip
✅ Technical outdoor layers & waterproof shell
✅ Headtorch with fresh batteries (essential for late afternoon autumn trail exits)
✅ Packed lunch, high-energy snacks, and at least 2 Litres of water
✅ Contactless card or train ticket

### 🎟️ HOW TO JOIN

RSVP below to lock in your spot and join the team!
🌐 Website: golondonhiking.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking