Walks

Anyone in their 20s or 30s is welcome to come along on a SURG walk. If you're not a member of The Ramblers, you're welcome to try out a couple of walks before becoming a member. Our walks range from gentle 3 mile rambles to strenuous hikes of over 20 miles, so whatever your walking tastes or abilities we're bound to have something for you.


Wednesday 1st July

Wednesday Woking Walk

A midweek evening walk along Basingstoke Canal and Horsell Common.

Distance: 6 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  7.00pm prompt, Woking station, High Street exit  Grid ref: TQ006586  (map)
Leader: Andrea


Saturday 4th July

The downs, the heath and the hill

Over the downs, through Headley, over to Reigate Heath, up Colley Hill and around Reigate Hill before coming back via Walton on the Hill. Bring a packed lunch. Potential pub stop at the Black Horse in Reigate Heath for drinks.

Distance: 16 miles, circular  Grade: A (very steep hill)
Start:  9.45am Tattenham Corner station  Grid ref: TQ226582   (map)
Or:  10.00am, Lunch Box car park on Epsom Downs Grid ref: TQ225585  (map)
Leader: Holly

A walk around Hurtwood

This is a really nice walk in a lovely part of Surrey. There are stunning views from Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill. Bring a packed lunch. Potential pub stop for drinks.

Distance: 7 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  11.00am, The Hurtwood Inn, Peaslake  Grid ref: TQ085448  (map)
Leader: Andy

A walk for young maidens, Dorchester

You are welcome to come down for the day to join the group staying on the Dorset Walking Weekend for a hilly, fast-paced walk (weather depending). The walk will pass Maiden castle, the largest most complex iron age hill fort in Britain (circa 600BC), also visiting the Hardy Monument, a folly built in 1844 with great views from the top (small entrance fee). Great views across the Dorset countryside and the coast including the Fleet and Abbotsbury. Bring a packed lunch, possible pub for drinks. For those who want to, return to Dorchester for evening drinks and food (contact Orson for more information).

Distance: 15-18 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.30am, Maiden castle car park, 2 miles south west of Dorchester  Grid ref: SY669890  (map)
Leader: Orson and Ian


Sunday 5th July

Cerne Abbas: a giant walk, Dorchester

You are welcome to come down for the day to join the group staying on the Dorset Walking Weekend for this walk. Not quite the Cerne Abbas giant (or otherwise known as the rude giant) stands 180 ft tall and 160 ft wide and holds a 120 ft long knobbled club. This walk takes us through a landscape much scarred by mankind both ancient and modern, from bronze age burial mounds to water cress beds and modern day (telephone) masts. On the way out we get the views from the hill tops and then enjoy the walk along the River Cerne valley. Bring a packed lunch. Possible pub stop for drinks. For those who want to, return to Dorchester for evening drinks and food (contact Orson for more information).

Distance: 16 miles, circular   Grade: A (hilly and fast pace)
Start:  10.30am, Charminster village car park, 2 miles north of Dorchester  Grid ref: SY678927  (map)
Leader: Orson and Ian

Surrey Area Ramblers 25th Anniversary Walk

This year Surrey Area Ramblers celebrates its 25th anniversary and all groups in the area are organising walks on this day to end at Denbies Vineyard at 3.00pm, in time for celebratory tea and cake at 3.30pm. You'll also have a chance to look at the book stall, displays and order an anniversary T-shirt if you wish.

Our walk starts from Leatherhead station and heads south along the River Mole and up to Box Hill viewpoint (where snacks are available from the cafe). We then drop back down to the Mole again via the Stepping Stones (or bridge) and head for Denbies Vineyard for tea.

Bring a packed lunch, possible tea stop at Denbies for Surrey Area 25th birthday celebration. If you prefer not to stay for tea, it's just a mile along the road to Dorking (Main) station where you can catch a train back to Leatherhead.

Distance: 7.5 miles, linear  Grade: C
Start: 11.00am, Leatherhead station (outside main entrance on London bound side)  Grid ref: TQ163568  (map)
Finish: Denbies Wine Estate, near Dorking Main station  Grid ref: TQ165510  (map)
Leader: Andrea


Thursday 9th July

Chobham Common

A midweek evening walk going over a variety of habitats where we may see some evening wildlife. We will stop at The Four Horseshoes at the half way point where food is available until 9.00pm.

Distance: 6 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  7.00pm, car park at eastern end of Gracious Pond Road (near Chobham)  Grid ref: SU994636  (map)
Leader: Helen


Tuesday 14th July

Guildford to Compton

A midweek evening walk starting along the Hog's Back and then down to the Pilgrims' Way and North Downs Way. We will stop at the Harrow Inn at the half way point, where food and real ales are available.

Distance: 6.5 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  7.00pm, the top of The Mount (off the A3100) where the tarmac road ends (near Guildford)  Grid ref: SU984486  (map)
Leader: Helen


Saturday 18th July

Box Hill Cake Muncher

Earn your cake!! Make two different ascents of Box Hill and one of White Hill on this short but energetic walk in the Surrey countryside. The reward is tea and cake in Denbies Vineyard afterwards! No lunch stop.

Distance: 5 miles, circular  Grade: B
Start:  12.30pm, Stepping Stones car park (at foot of Box Hill on A25)  Grid ref: TQ171513  (map)
Leader: Chris T

Leith Hill to the North Downs

Woodland, meadows, sandy paths, chalky trails and a good few hills, this walk has the lot! From Leith Hill over to the North Downs we should get some far-reaching views over Surrey and Sussex from the high points. Pub stop for drinks only. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 17 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.00am Starveall Corner car park, Leith Hill (on Leith Hill Road)  Grid ref: TQ134431  (map)
Leader: Katy


Sunday 19th July

North Downs Way and Banstead Heath

Enjoy fine views from Colley Hill, then it's a leisurely walk to Walton on the Heath, returning over scenic Banstead Heath. Bring a packed lunch, pub stop for drinks at the Sportsman in Mogador.

Distance: 9 miles, circular  Grade: B
Start:  10.30am, Reigate Hill car park  Grid ref: TQ263524  (map)
Leader: Steve D

Arundel and Around

We head out through Arundel Park up on to the Downs. After a descent to the river, we head for Burpham via South Stoke for a drinks stop at The George and Dragon. We then head back on to the Downs before joining the Monarch's Way back into Arundel. A gem of a walk, both varied and scenic.

Distance: 13 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.45am, top of Arundel High Street on corner outside castle gate  Grid ref: TQ017073  (map)
Leader: James


Sunday 26th July

Windsor Great Park and the Thames

Starting from Egham we head towards Virginia Water Plantation to join the Three Castles Path which we follow to Windsor and meet the Thames. We'll stop for lunch on the river. We then follow it to Runnymede, where the Magna Carter was signed, and back to Egham. Possible pub stop for drinks only. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 14 miles, circular  Grade: B
Start:  10.45am, Egham station  Grid ref: TQ013711  (map)
Leader: Chris B

Banstead Woods and Mugswell

A joint walk with SAWW, this easy going walk goes through Banstead Woods, Kingswood, Mugswell and back along The Long Plantation. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control particularly where animals graze. Possible pub stop for drinks only.

Distance: 8 miles, circular  Grade: B/C (a few small hills)
Start:  1.00pm Banstead Woods car park, off Holly Lane  Grid ref: TQ273583  (map)
Leader: Leanne


Wednesday 29th July

Midweek Meander .

An evening walk from Chobham, along the Bourne towards Chobham common.

Distance: 5 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  7.00pm prompt, Chobham car park  Grid ref: SU974618  (map)
Leader: Andrea


Sunday 2nd August

A Lost Railway Ramble: Rudgwick to Baynards

A gentle stroll along a section of the disused railway line which ran from Guildford to Horsham from 1865 to 1965. The route features several reminders of a bygone railway including bridges, tunnels and stations. Pub stop for drinks.

Distance: 6 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  1.30pm, Church Street in Rudgwick outside the Co-op store  Grid ref: TQ087334  (map)
Leader: Darren


Sunday 9th August

Horsley Jubilee Trail Plus

This walk goes through open country, woods and farmland, taking in Effingham Forest and the Sheapleas. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 14 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.30am, Horsley station  Grid ref: TQ092545  (map)
Leader: Neil

Farthing Downs

This is an easy paced walk up to Farthing Downs and Chaldon Church returning along Happy Valley. A few small hills will be encountered. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 7 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  11.00am, Coulsdon South station  Grid ref: TQ298590  (map)
Leader: John and Sarah


Saturday 15th August

The Tilling Bourne Challenge

A challenging walk around the beautiful Tilling Bourne Valley between Shere and the River Wey near Guildford. The route crosses the Tilling Bourne six times and includes Albury Heath, St Martha's Hill, the Chantries, Shalford Mill, St Catherine's Chapel, Colyers Hanger and Newlands Corner. Possible pub stop for drinks only. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 19 miles, circular  Grade: A+ (fast pace with plenty of hills, suitable for experienced long distance walkers only)
Start:  10.00am, Shere car park (Heading west on the A25, turn off into Shere. At the T-junction, do not turn left into the centre of village, but go straight on for 50 yards to the car park on the right.)  Grid ref: TQ074479  (map)
Leader: James

Putting the Charl into the woods

Discover the beautiful countryside and woodland around the border between Surrey and Sussex. Potential pub stop for drinks. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 6 miles, circular  Grade: B/C
Start:  11.00am, Edolph's Copse car park off Stan Hill in Charlwood, RH6 0EP  Grid ref: TQ234422  (map)
Leader: Holly


Sunday 16th August

Let's Get Ready To Ramble!

A gentle walk from Reigate to Dorking, passing through the villages of Betchworth and Brockham. Pub stop for drinks in Brockham. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 7 miles, linear  Grade: C
Start:  10.30am, Reigate station  Grid ref: TQ255509  (map)
Finish:  Dorking Deepdene station
Leader: Gary and Holly


Saturday 22nd August

Lethal Leith Hill

A re-run of last year's daunting walk starting from Ockley and finishing in Leatherhead. We start with a climb up Windy Gap to Leith Hill. Then it's down to Friday Street, and up and down more hills including Broadmoor, Old Bury Hill, and Ranmore Common. From Ranmore we go down to the Stepping Stones and up Box Hill (the steep way!), down and up White Hill and round Bocketts Farm into Leatherhead where we can celebrate our achievement with a pint or two at the Running Horse pub! The total ascent is equivalent to climbing a Scottish Munro at 3,000 feet. Bring packed lunch(es). Possible pub stop for drinks.

Distance: 20 miles, linear  Grade: A+ (fast paced, strenuous walk suitable for strong, experienced walkers only)
Start:  9.45am, Ockley station  Grid ref: TQ165405  (map)
Finsih: The Running Horse, Leatherhead (close to Leatherhead station)  (map)
Leader: Paul R and Paul R


Sunday 23rd August

Mytchett and Ash Vale

A gentle stroll down the Blackwater Valley, first along the Basingstoke Canal then returning along the River Blackwater. See the canal boats, waterfowl, dragonflies and other wildlife along this easy route surprisingly close to the A331. Pub stop at end. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 7 miles, circular  Grade: C
Start:  11.30am, Farnborough North station (Guildford bound side)  Grid ref: SU878567  (map)
Leader: Chris B


Saturday 29th August

Lovely Lewes

Enjoy a long walk in the South Downs with extensive views out to sea and over the weald. Pub stop after 11 miles for drinks, but bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 15 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.30am, Lewes station (car park fee payable)  Grid ref: TQ416098  (map)
Leader: Chris T


Sunday 30th August

Shoreham, Kent

Passing through Shoreham village, we join the Darent Valley Path to Otford where we then climb up onto the North Downs. After a short pub stop (drinks only) we head down to the Darent Valley Path again passing Lullingstone Castle. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 12 miles, circular  Grade: B
Start:  11.00am, Shoreham (Kent) station  Grid ref: TQ526615  (map)
Leader: Fiona


Saturday 5th September

North Downs, Leith and Holmwood

A fast paced walk from Dorking taking in a couple of viewpoints on the North Downs and Leith Hill, returning via Holmwood Common. Afternoon pub stop in Coldharbour for drinks. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 16 miles, circular  Grade: A
Start:  10.30am, Dorking (Main) station  Grid ref: TQ171504  (map)
Leader: Colin


Sunday 6th September

Ashtead to Cheam

Mainly using the London Loop we will head through Ashtead and Epsom Commons, Horton Country park and Nonsuch Park. Pub Stop in Ewell Village for drinks only. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 10 miles, linear  Grade: C
Start:  10.30am, Cheam station to catch 10.39am train to Ashtead  Grid ref: TQ646251  (map)
Or:  10.45am Ashtead station Grid ref: TQ590181  (map)
Leader: Carol B


Saturday 12th September

Forest of Dean Weekend, Day 1

You are welcome to come down for the day to join the group on the Walking Weekend. This walk follows the winding river Wye South West and visits King Arthur's cave, the town of Monmouth, Monmouth castle and the naval temple at Kymin. We cross both the rivers Monmow and Wye and return via the vast forested area at Highroad Woods.

Distance: 16 miles, circular  Grade: A (fast pace, hilly)
Start:  10.30am, car park located at Whitchurch just off A40 (follow signs for Hedge Maze), one mile north of Symonds Yat  Grid ref: SO555174  (map)
Leader: Orson and Ian


Sunday 13th September

Forest of Dean Weekend, Day 2

You are welcome to come down for the day to join the group on the Walking Weekend. This walk follows the winding River Wye north eastwards and visits Goodrich castle, Flanesford Priory and the villages of Welsh Bicknor, English Bicknor and Lydbrook. We return to the start via Symonds Yat rock and Symonds Yat east. Note a short ferry journey (pulled manually by rope) across the river Wye is required to return (fee £1.50).

Distance: 14 miles, circular  Grade: A (fast pace, hilly)
Start:  10.30am, car park located at Whitchurch just off A40 (follow signs for Hedge Maze), one mile north of Symonds Yat  Grid ref: SO555174  (map)
Leader: Orson and Ian