Devil's Punch Bowl & Gibbet Hill — Intermediate/Challenging 20km hike
Details
Devil’s Punch Bowl Hike | 20 km | Sunday, 9 August 2026
Overview
Legend says the Devil dug this vast bowl while taking aim at Thor. We’ll walk the real story: open heathland, ancient woods, strange local folklore and Surrey’s second-highest hill.
Join Trail Therapy for a 20 km circular hike through the Devil’s Punch Bowl and surrounding Surrey Hills, finishing with an optional, very well-earned drink in Haslemere.
Key Details
📍 Meeting point: London Waterloo Station
🗓 Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
⏰ Meet: 8.40 am
We’ll leave the meeting point at 8.50 am to catch the 9.00 am train. We expect to return to London at approximately 7.30 pm.
We travel together, so please make sure you can commit to the full day.
💷 Cost: £39, including return train travel and the guided hike
Hike Details
• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate to challenging
• Ascent: Approximately 500 m
• Walking time: Approximately 5½–6½ hours
• Route type: Circular
The Route Story
Local legend says this vast hollow was carved when the Devil took a swing at Thor and missed. Geologists blame eroding sandstone instead, which is almost as good a story.
We’ll circle the Punch Bowl, climb through open heather common and continue to Gibbet Hill. At 272 m, it is Surrey’s second-highest point. The Sailor’s Stone marks the site of an 18th-century murder that gave the hill its name.
On a clear day, you may even spot the Shard and Canary Wharf from the top, which feels like cheating this far from London. Ancient woodland then carries us most of the way back into Haslemere for an optional post-hike drink.
What We’ll See
• Devil’s Punch Bowl – a vast, spring-carved hollow with a properly unhinged backstory
• Gibbet Hill – Surrey’s second-highest point
• The Sailor’s Stone – an 18th-century murder memorial
• Big-sky views across the Weald, with the London skyline visible on a clear day
• Open heather commons
• Ancient woodland on the return to Haslemere
What to Bring
• A packed lunch and snacks
• 1.5–2 litres of water
• Sun protection and a hat
• A light waterproof layer
• Comfortable, supportive hiking boots or walking shoes
• A camera, friends and good vibes
About Trail Therapy
Trail Therapy is 30% Nature, 30% Movement, 30% Community and 10% Magic.
• Our events are for adults aged 18 and over
• Our group is mixed and international, with attendees generally ranging from 18 to 50
• Our hikes usually have 10–20 people and often sell out
• Most people come solo, so you’ll be in good company from the first step
• You can find photos from our previous hikes on Instagram
• A few days before the hike, we’ll email attendees a link to the event WhatsApp group through Meetup.
More than just hikes: they’re therapy, on a trail.
Post-Hike Pint?
Yes, please. We plan to finish at The Swan Inn in Haslemere, where you can buy a well-earned pint or a soft drink. There is no pressure to join.
Important Information
Event details are correct at the time of publishing, errors and omissions excepted. The route, train service and timings may change due to weather, trail conditions, transport disruption or the pace of the group.
This event is organised by Trail Therapy Ltd. Outdoor activities carry inherent risks. Please arrive appropriately prepared, dress for the conditions, follow the hike leaders’ reasonable safety instructions and take care of your own wellbeing throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: It’s my first event. Can I join?
R: Yes. Everyone is welcome, and we often have first-time hikers joining us. Please make sure you are comfortable with the advertised distance and difficulty.
Q: What shoes should I wear?
R: Please wear supportive walking shoes, hiking boots or suitable trail shoes. Waterproof footwear is recommended if rain is forecast. Avoid wearing brand-new shoes, and choose something you know will remain comfortable over 20 km.
Q: How challenging is the walk?
R: This is an intermediate-to-challenging hike with hills and approximately 500 m of ascent. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking for 5½–6½ hours.
Q: Can I come alone?
R: Of course. Most of our hikers come on their own, and it’s a great way to meet new people.
Q: Do I need to bring food?
R: Yes. Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and enough water for the full day.
Q: What is your refund policy?
R: Because we incur non-refundable costs when tickets are purchased, we cannot offer refunds. Tickets are transferable. If you can no longer attend, you may give or sell your place to a friend; please send us their name so we can update our attendee records and WhatsApp group.