Box Hill and the North Downs - Saturday Day Hike 30 Nov 2024

The beauty of Box Hill has inspired many great artists, writers, and musicians for hundreds of years. Jane Austen based the picnic scene from "Emma" here, George Lambert's famous painting of Box Hill in 1733 (now in The Tate Gallery) was created, and it has even been the subject of several songs, the most recent being "On Box Hill" by Everything but the Girl. It has also inspired the poet Keats and the writer G.K. Chesterton. Come and discover the magic of Box Hill for yourself.

A diverse hike through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty taking in woodland, rolling downs, Norbury Park, the River Mole and of course Box Hill itself where there are some stunning views to be had from Salomons Memorial right across the Weald to Devils Dyke by the South Coast.

Trip Highlights:

• See the famous Box Hill viewpoint with far-reaching views over Sussex
• Breathtaking hiking through the woods and hills of the North Downs
• See the twisting hills roads of the 2012 Olympic cycle race where the cyclists completed 9 laps of this spectacular section.

Hike Description

Box Hill is situated on the North Downs within the Surrey Hills area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also part of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest. In addition to its natural beauty, Box Hill is home to a fort that was built in the 1890s to defend England from a potential French invasion, as well as a partially abandoned folly from 1815

We will pass by the route of the 2012 Olympics cycling race, specifically at its steepest point, which is considered the best spot to view the race due to the reduced speed of the riders.

Food

We will stop during the hike for a snack lunch, so please bring your own food and drinks. After the hike, we will visit a pub where we can purchase refreshments.

Cost

• Members: £20
• No members: £28

What to Bring

What to Bring: Suitable hiking clothes & hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots). Waterproof jacket, trousers, and footwear are recommended. Water (at least 1 and ideally 2 litres), packed lunch/picnic, money for drinks and refreshments after the hike. That's it! We will take care of train tickets, logistics on the day, etc., so that you can just turn up and have a great day."

Safety and Terms and Conditions

• Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, but we have a process to release your space for resale to another member.
• Photos & Video - All were taken by the hike leader on previous trips, so are the actual views that you will see from the route that you'll be hiking.

Safety

This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please come with suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers in case of rain. - more info

© Club Hiking in London Ltd 2024 (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walkers Club.
Errors and Omissions Excepted