Length: 11.5 km (7.1 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 Two challenging climbs in the morning and one steep descent
London Victoria: 09-41 hrs Southern stopping service to Horsham CJ 09-48 Sutton 10-13 hrs
Arrive Box Hill & Westhumble: 10-37 hrs
Return
Box Hill & Westhumble to Victoria: direct services at 46 mins past the hour
Leatherhead to Victoria: 24 and 51 mins past the hour
Leatherhead to Wimbledon (Waterloo services starting here today): 28 & 51 mins past the hour
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Box Hill & Westhumble
Unless you are new to the SWC, today's walk requires no introduction. After crossing the River Mole you have a steep but steady climb to the top of Box Hill with its viewing point. From here you either take a path through light woodland or along the contours of Box Hill to the Smith and Western bar grill, where you can stop for elevenses (if open). On through woodland to the grassy Juniper Top, which you descend whilst enjoying the views. At the bottom of this slope you have a steep climb up White Hill before you drop down - at times steeply - to the village of Mickleham, where you stop for lunch at one of its two pubs. The King William 1V pub is perched on the hillside, a short distance off the main route. The Running Horses is in the village opposite the church. Both are good and may be busy, so best 'phone ahead to check availability (see the Directions for the details). Your e.t.a time at both is between 12-15 and 12-30 pm.
After lunch you have a choice. You can continue on the route of the original TO Book walk, on the flat, at times beside the River Mole, all the way into Leatherhead, or you can opt to double back to Box Hill on one of several routes detailed in the walk Directions.
This walk may be short in distance but it is hard work pre-lunch and makes for a very satisfying and enjoyable winter's outing.
T=1.49
Walk Directions are here: L=1.49
2 comments:
n=9 of us off the train at Box Hill station. No car drivers. It was a w=cold-day-with-a-chilly-wind-in-exposed-areas, but fine in the woods and on the two climbs. The sun decided to take a day off, so it was overcast, but clear. The view from the summit of Box Hill was good. There was still some late leaf colour in places to add to our enjoyment of the views on offer all along today's walk.
Mud levels were very manageable today although it was noticeable that footpaths were beginning to "mud up" now that meteorological winter has arrived.
The two climbs were tough - I do declare they get steeper every year - but we all made it to Mickleham without anyone collapsing in distress. But some aged knees took a hammering.
My eight companions opted to picnic in the pleasant churchyard opposite the pub, whilst I entered the pub and enjoyed an excellent lunch washed down with a pint. My companions continued their walk to Leatherhead and I had difficulty forcing myself away from the cosy fire in the pub, but eventually did so, to set out on the valley route back to Box Hill station. The 15-46 hrs service arrived on time and an hour later I was back in Victoria, having enjoyed a grand day out. But I expect my knees will give me gyp in the morning...........
The walk to Leatherhead was pleasanter and more interesting than I remembered, despite the cold north wind. We spread out in the town in search of tea options; four of us settled for a busy Costa then made a dash for the 1524 train.
Thanks for posting Marcus, a good walk for a short day
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