Denbies Vineyard, Box Hill & Stepping Stones, Epsom Downs Race Course linear 20k

As a hiking business, we are exempt from the rule of 6, By signing up to our event you are agreeing to our COVID 19 guidelines as outlined here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sly8wbiT3VabjhkDjX_f6AFFG2pcoU-e5sK0OPjSy74/edit?usp=sharing

GRADE: Intermediate/Advanced 20 km/12.5 miles on good paths, 530m total ascent with 2 long and steep climbs, about 5 hours of hiking plus a picnic lunch. We’ll be walking on some chalky paths, so proper hiking boots are essential as chalk gets very slippery when wet.

This linear hike starts from Dorking station and takes us through the beautiful Denbies Vineyard, the biggest vineyard in the country which accounts for over 10% of all vine plantings in England. We then walk towards the lovely village of Westhumble, and then up Box Hill via the famous Stepping Stones. After we cross the Stepping Stones, we take in a long climb up the hill, all the way to Salomon’s Memorial, where we are rewarded with magnificent views over Dorking and towards Leith Hill. At the top of Box Hill there is a National Trust visitor centre where we can top up our water bottles, enjoy some ice cream and use toilets.

We then explore the ancient box woodland (hence the name Box Hill) and enroute to Mickleham Downs we take in the second steep climb of the day. From Mickleham Downs, we follow the ancient Roman Road, Stane Street, until we reach Langley Bottom Wood. Here we turn south-east and skirt around the village of Langley Vale until we get to the famous Epsom Downs, a grade 1 racecourse with a crowd capacity of 130,000, used for thoroughbred horse racing. Most years the Derby is visited by the Queen, and some sources record racing taking place in this location as far back as in the 1640s!

The last 3km of the hike take us from the outskirts of Epsom into the town centre, where the hike ends outside Epsom train station.

MEETING TIME: 10:40 outside Dorking (Main) station.

COST: £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP

TRAINS:
There is a train from London Victoria at 9:42 which arrives at Dorking Main station at 10:39, journey time 57min. Single tickets cost £9.70, or £6.40 with Network Railcard.

Due to Covid-19, we currently cannot travel together and organise group tickets. If you choose to do so on your own, please remember to follow all current government safety and social distancing guidelines.

https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/London/Dorking/200920/0900/dep

WALK STARTS: 10:40 from Dorking station

LUNCH: We will stop for a picnic around 12:30 – 1:00pm.

WALK ENDS: Approximately 16:30 at Epsom station, but it always depends on the pace of the group on the day. It may be a bit earlier or a bit later.

RETURN TRAINS: There are 4 trains to London Victoria and 2 trains to London Waterloo an hour from Epsom. Oyster is the cheapest way to pay at £5.20. Epsom is in Oyster zone 6.

https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/EPS/London/200920/1600/dep#outwardJump

CONTACT: Phone number for the day: 0799 0489 040

What to bring: Face covering and sanitiser (compulsory) lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear. Click here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FLjSAczjgbZ26OKE4Iy_zX2IFqkybdXCmK9AkVfqI1w/edit?usp=sharing

Terms and conditions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XSic4Aj9VJguTQuiWrTd6I1A-EmvmQCqCHggB0omlX8/edit?usp=sharing

To view our full calendar: https://www.meetup.com/GO-London/events/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/

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