TOUGH HIKE 21km Challenge - Surrey 2 Peaks 640M ASCENT

Key Info:

• Distance: 13 miles (21km)
• Grading: Challenging
• Ascent: 640m
• Hiking time: 5 to 5.5 hours
• Cost: £32 plus Eventbrite fee
• Refundable up to 7 days in advance.

Meeting Point:

• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 8am, leave 8:20am for the 8:41am train
• Return: 5:45pm arrival back in London

Highlights:

• Conquer the two highest peaks in Surrey — Leith Hill (294m) & Holmbury Hill (261m)
• Hike through the Surrey Hills AONB, one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• See the historic Leith Hill Tower with its sweeping panoramas
• A superb training hike for major challenges (Yorkshire Three Peaks, National Three Peaks, Kilimanjaro, Toubkal, Everest Base Camp etc)

Hike Description:

This is a shorter version of the Surrey 3 Peaks - a formidable challenge often called the Yorkshire cousins as it rivals the Yorkshire Three Peaks in length and ascent. We take on the two highest points in Surrey: Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill, following ancient sandy trails and woodland ridges across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrey is the most wooded county in England, and this route showcases its very best trails.

Starting from Holmwood, our route climbs first to Leith Hill (294m), the highest point in the South East of England. Here the summit is crowned by the 18th-century gothic Leith Hill Tower, offering some of the most far-reaching views of any of our hikes — south to the sea and the South Downs, and north as far as central London landmarks on a clear day.

From there, we continue along sandy trails and woodland ridges to Holmbury Hill (261m), where the remains of an Iron Age fort overlook the forested Weald below.

Toughness (Please Read):

This is a very tough, and hilly hike with over 600m of total ascent. Expect steep sections, some loose ground, and a short section where you need to use your hands it's so steep. The pace will average 4.0–4.4 km/h and the hike will not be slowed down or cut short. It is not suitable for beginners. Only experienced and fit walkers should join.

Guide:

• Leader: GRAHAM

Food:

• Bring a packed lunch and hike snacks, it's a long hike
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

What to Bring:

• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold