BEGINNERS MINI 12km Canals, Sandy Trails and Medieval Churches of Surrey

PLEASE NOTE - this is a shortened and less hilly version of our hike to the North Downs near Guildford. It is ideal for anyone new to hiking or those who would like a gentler, shorter hike that returns to London late afternoon so you have time to go home, smarten up and hit the town to enjoy your evening after a great day's hiking, exercising and socialising.

It is the shortest hike Outdooraholics does - please only sign up if you're happy with this shorter distance...

We’re off to the North Downs in Surrey - an area so spectacular it’s been designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This hike starts at the charming medieval town of Guildford which has a long and varied history dating back thousands of years to the Bronze Age and to the castle that the Normans built 1000 years ago.

Our hike reveals lush countryside, bright and open woodlands and follows the River Wey Canal which takes us up onto the stunning hill ridges of the North Downs Way. We visit an enchanting ancient church nestling on St Martha’s Hill with breathtaking panoramic views almost as far as the sea and of 7 counties. We finish in Guildford, passing the castle to get a glimpse of this picture postcard town.

This hike was designed and written by your guide Graham who was born and lived in Guildford to show you its undiscovered gems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the beautiful Surrey countryside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• Admire the far reaching views of St Martha's hill with its historic church

• Visit Guildford - Surrey's most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots and see for yourself why it has attracted many famous residents.

• Follow the tranquil River Wey as it gently flows past willow trees

• Visit the enchanting ruins of the 14th century St Catherine's Chapel - which attracted the artist Turner to paint it in 1807 and 1808

• Hike along part of the North Downs Way - the 2nd most acclaimed long distance route in South East England

• Pass Guildford castle - dating back nearly 1000 years

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Guildford is best known for being a picturesque and quaint market town near London, but the countryside has far more to offer than most visitors discover beyond the cobbled streets and historical buildings. Famous past and current residents include Lewis Carroll - author of Alice in Wonderland, Jodie Kidd, Alan Turing, Terry Jones (the Monty Python writer) and Yvonne Arnaud. William Turner came to paint St Catherine's Church in 1707 and 1708 and his paintings now hang in the Tate Gallery.

Once in Guildford we hike along the picturesque River Wey canal where the nestled boat houses sit on this tranquil waterway leading us to the ruin of St Catherine's church. We then hike into Bluebell Woods where we join the ancient North Downs Way path along a ridge which has far reaching views. At the top of the hill we come to the remote and isolated St Martha’s church built in the 12th century.

MEETING POINT

Waterloo station, 8:25am, leave at 8:45am for the 9am train. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock

Planned arrival back into London is 4:14pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Grading: Beginners - with a few hills that we take gently

Ascent: 240m

Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Convenience Breaks (WC): Train, only woods/bushes during hike, pub at end or train back

COST & PAYMENT

£29 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Check out” to join.

Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK

• Water (2 litres)

• Lunch

• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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