North Downs Way: Dorking to Merstham – 17km | Elevation 580m
📍Start: London Victoria Station (Southern Rail to Dorking)
🏁End: London Victoria Station (Return from Merstham)
🗓 When: Sunday, 28 September. Meet at 08:30 AM
Fancy a countryside escape from London for the day? Join us for a scenic 17km hike along the North Downs Way, featuring epic views, steep climbs, and a proper mix of woodlands, ridges, and open countryside. This route has its challenges, but it is worth it for the views and the post-hike pint at a pub in Merstham.
🌿 What We’ll See Along the Way
• Stepping Stones
• Box Hill – Iconic viewpoint overlooking the Mole Valley
• Colley Hill and Reigate Hill – Stunning ridgewalks with sweeping countryside views
• Reigate Fort – A 19th-century military fort hidden in the hills
• Inglis Memorial – originally a drinking fountain for horses at the top of the original route over Reigate Hill, now a scenic place for ramblers to rest
• Peaceful woodland trails, open meadows, and maybe a deer or two📏 Hike Details
Hike Details:
• Distance: 17 km (point-to-point)
• Max elevation: 580 m
• Estimated duration: ~6 hours (excluding breaks)
• Route type: Linear, train from Victoria to Dorking, hike to Merstham, train back to Victoria
🧢 What to Bring
• Packed lunch and trail snacks
• 1.5–2L of water
• Hiking boots (there will be hills and uneven ground)
• Layers and waterproofs (always a good idea)
• Energy for a few steep climbs
🍻 Post-Hike Pub Option
We will wrap up with a pink at a cosy spot just a short walk from the station, perfect for toasting the day’s effort.
