18km Canals, Sandy Trails and Medieval Churches of the Surrey Hills Woods

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 11 miles (18km)
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 370m
• Hiking time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
• Cost: £31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Waterloo station. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock
• Time: Meet 9:00am, leave 9:15am for the 9:30am train
• Return: 5:44pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Explore the Surrey Hills AONB, one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• Admire far-reaching views from St Martha’s Hill and its 12th-century church
• Visit Guildford, Surrey’s most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots
• Follow the tranquil River Wey, with its boathouses and willow trees
• Discover the ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, painted by Turner in 1807–08
• Hike part of the North Downs Way, a classic long-distance National Trail
• Explore the atmospheric remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, founded in 1626
• See Guildford Castle, built nearly 1,000 years ago

🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins in the historic town of Guildford, a place of cobbled streets, a Norman castle and a history stretching back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries it has attracted many famous residents, including Lewis Carroll, Alan Turing, Terry Jones, Yvonne Arnaud and supermodel Jodie Kidd. The artist William Turner painted the nearby ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel in 1807–08, works that now hang in the Tate Gallery.

We start by following the River Wey, a peaceful canal lined with boathouses and willow trees, leading us to the evocative ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, a 14th-century site perched above the river. From here, our trail rises into the Bluebell Woods before joining the ancient North Downs Way, a ridge path that rewards us with sweeping views across Surrey and, on a clear day, as far as the sea.

At the top of the ridge we reach the remote and atmospheric St Martha’s Church, built in the 12th century and still standing alone on the hilltop. The views here are among the finest in the region, stretching across seven counties and down to the distant South Downs.

From the ridge, we descend towards Chilworth, once home to an extensive gunpowder factory built by the East India Company in 1626. Though production ended in 1920, the enchanting 27-acre site is now a mix of woodland and evocative ruins, including relics, tramways and industrial buildings from its nearly 400-year history. We finish our hike back in Guildford, passing the town’s Norman castle before returning to London.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• 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
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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