Hike the North Downs Way- Stage 3: Box Hill to Merstham

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

September is my favourite month to hike- cooler temps, late summer sunshine, the foliage changing to scarlet. Join me as we tackle the North Downs Way- a 153 mile/246km waymarked National Trail that starts in Farnham in Surrey and ends at the White Cliffs of Dover. I’m going to break it down to manageable day hikes from London, linking the trail with train stations across the Southeast. It should take about 12 stages total to complete, and I will schedule these on most Saturdays this autumn. If you can join for one stage or all, this is a great trail to explore the countryside on London’s doorstep as it links up chalk downlands, woods and heather-covered heathland along with historic churches and cathedrals. It’s not a hugely difficult trail, with a lot of gentle rolling hills. This trail is one of the most ancient footpaths in the UK, and is recognized as part of the Camino pilgrimage route.

On this stage 3, we hike from Box Hill to Merstham Station. This is a challenging day, with several steep climbs (but rewarding views!) Beginning at Box Hill station, we climb the mighty Box Hill and then follow the undulating wooded ridgeline through the Surrey countryside, with wonderful views over the South. We’ll pass old lime quarries, We end at Merstham Station.

GRADE: Challenging but do-able, with several steep bits (including the mighty Box Hill). 11 miles/16km.

Meeting Point: Due to COVID, we can not travel together and organise group tickets at this time (however, you are welcome to self-organise if there is a lot of you leaving from the same place!). There are also a number of discounted tickets available if you book in advance via trainline.com. Meet me at Boxhill and Westhumble Station at 10:11. There is a train that leaves London Victoria at 9:15 that will get you there in time. If you choose to drive, you can get a train back to nearby Dorking at the end of the hike to pick up your car. Otherwise, we end at Merstham station, which is on a different train line, so two single tickets will be the best option.

Cost: £10 organiser fee payable on RSVP. We have temporarily raised the price of walks to be able to accommodate smaller groups. As soon as it is safe to take larger groups, we will re-asses our pricing. For this hike, I will be taking a maximum of 20.

What to bring: PPE, Lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear. We will not be stopping at a shop or a pub so have everything you need for the day! 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

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