Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
Some elevation for the New Year.
Our first challenge: stepping stones across the river Mole (or the alternate bridge crossing). The second: climbing the North Downs Way to the 172 metre summit of Box Hill. Traversing woodland of Box Alder and Yew, look westward for fine views of the Weald. A grassy descent from Juniper Top and upward once more to White Hill and Mickelham Downs. We drop to the village of Mickelham (pub and church) for lunch (packed) and a little exploration. (Was that a startled pheasant?) Hill climbing behind us, the river Mole valley leads to Leatherhead where refreshments and transport home await.
This walk concludes at the Running Horse public house on the outskirts of Leatherhead. The railway station is a further 0.5 mile walk.
This walk is rated 'strenuous' due to the cumulative ascent of 300 meters (or approximately 90 stories - higher than climbing the Shard building in London at 87 stories). The average walking speed will be approximately 2 miles per hour.
You will need a good level of basic fitness and have no known medical conditions that might prevent, or be aggravated by, the required level of exertion.
Walking boots and walking poles will assist with the ascents and descents, which will be slippery as the terrain is muddy, chalky, and often has exposed tree roots and leaf mould.
Cold weather is forecast at the time of walk posting. Waterproof outerwear, multiple layers, hat and gloves will help you stay warm.
Travel details: Catch the 09:41 from London Victoria to Box Hill & Westhumble, arriving 10:37.
Return trains from Leatherhead: 4 per hour (at half hour intervals for London Victoria and London Waterloo)
Buy a day return to Box Hill & Westhumble.
Drop-out points: TFL bus 465 (2 per hour) runs from Mickleham (by the church and Running Horses lunch pub) north to Leatherhead and Kingston, or south to Boxhill and Dorking.
The finishing time is an estimate only and will be dependent on a number of factors such as, weather, the speed at which the group walks and the number of breaks taken.
Toilets: Leatherhead station, and, hopefully, the outbound and return trains (those operated by Southern to / from Victoria). Toilets for customers only at the pubs in Mickelham.
No booking required.
No dogs.
Photo by Chris L L / View from Box Hill / CC BY-SA 2.0
Box Hill & Westhumble station, Westhumble Street, Westhumble, Surrey, RH5 6BT.
Running Horse, 38 Bridge Street, Leatherhead. KT22 8BZ.
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