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

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
• Grading: Beginners - with a few hills that we take gently
• Ascent: 240m
• Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours
• Cost: £30 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 8:25am, leave 8:45am for the 9am train
• Return: 4:14pm 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 historic 12th-century church
• Visit Guildford, Surrey’s most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots
• Follow the tranquil River Wey past willow trees and boathouses
• See the ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, painted by Turner in 1807–08
• Walk along part of the North Downs Way — a classic long-distance route
• Pass Guildford Castle, dating back nearly 1,000 years

🥾 Hike Description
This is a shorter and gentler version of our North Downs hikes, ideal for beginners or those who want to enjoy a day outdoors and still return to London by late afternoon. At just 11km, it is the shortest hike Outdooraholics runs — perfect if you want a manageable day of exercise, scenery and socialising, with your evening free to enjoy afterwards.

Our hike begins in the historic town of Guildford, whose history stretches back to the Bronze Age and the Norman castle at its heart. Famous past and present residents include Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland; codebreaker Alan Turing; model Jodie Kidd; Monty Python writer Terry Jones; and actress Yvonne Arnaud. The artist William Turner also visited to paint St Catherine’s Chapel in 1807 and 1808, works now displayed in the Tate Gallery.

We start along the River Wey, a peaceful waterway lined with boathouses and willow trees, leading us to the evocative ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel. From here the trail rises gently through woodland, joining the North Downs Way as it follows an ancient ridge with sweeping views across Surrey.

Our finale is at the remote and atmospheric St Martha’s Hill, crowned by its 12th-century church and offering panoramic views across seven counties and almost to the sea. The route then returns us to Guildford, where we pass the Norman castle before concluding our hike in this picture-postcard market town.

🧭 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

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

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