Surrey 3 Peaks - 23 miles

Surrey Three Peaks circuit starting and finishing at the main Box Hill NT car park. At around 23 miles (37 km) with roughly 3,400 ft (1,050 m) of ascent, it's a serious day out rather than just a pleasant stroll.

Tickets for this walk cost £20.00. 

This payment is non-refundable. It will only be refunded in the event of a non-weather related cancellation. *Tickets/spaces for this walk/event are pre booked and pre paid, please don't just turn up on the day with cash*

1. Box Hill (224 m / 735 ft)

This is probably the best-known of the three.

Interesting facts

Part of the famous North Downs.

Named after the ancient box trees that grow naturally on its chalk slopes.

Became internationally famous during the 2012 London Olympics, when the cycling road race climbed the Zig Zag Road several times.

The viewpoint near Salomons Memorial gives superb views over the Weald towards the South Downs on a clear day. 

Look out for

Denbies Vineyard below.

The River Mole valley.

Buzzards, red kites and kestrels soaring on warm days.

2. Holmbury Hill (261 m / 856 ft)

Often the quietest and most peaceful summit.

Interesting facts

Site of an Iron Age hill fort dating back over 2,000 years.

Surrounded by beautiful pine and beech woodland.

A popular mountain biking area—you'll probably see riders on the dedicated trails.

Views On clear days you can see across the Weald of Surrey and Sussex, with the South Downs beyond. 

3. Leith Hill (294 m / 965 ft)

The highlight for many walkers.

Interesting facts

The highest point in Surrey.

Also the highest point in South East England.

The Gothic tower on the summit was built in 1765 so that its owner could claim he'd reached over 1,000 feet above sea level by standing on top!

The tower is owned by the National Trust.

If the tower is open, the panorama is outstanding—you can often see:

London skyline

South Downs


Landscapes you'll pass through

One of the nicest things about this route is how varied it is.

You'll experience:

Ancient beech woodland

Pine forest

Open chalk downland

Heathland

Quiet country lanes

Rolling farmland

Small streams

Vineyards around Dorking

Much of the walk lies within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, one of England's protected landscapes. 

Wildlife

Depending on the season you might spot:

Red kites

Buzzards

Great spotted woodpeckers

Roe deer

Rabbits

Butterflies including chalkhill blues in summer

Villages you'll pass

You'll likely go through or near:

Westhumble – pretty village and railway station.

Westcott – attractive Surrey village.

Coldharbour – one of Surrey's highest villages.

Holmbury St Mary – lovely village with old cottages and pubs.

These make nice mental milestones during such a long day.

The challenge

Although none of the hills are mountains, don't underestimate it.

What makes it tough is:

Nearly a marathon distance.

Around 1,050 metres of climbing, spread across many repeated ups and downs.

Some steep climbs at the beginning and end.

Long woodland sections that can feel relentless.

Most experienced walkers say the distance is harder than the height.

Please bring plenty of food & snacks to sustain you.

Carry at least 2 litres of water (more if it's hot).

Walking poles are helpful.

How to find us - 

Box Hill main car park ( National Trust - Nr the Visitor centre ), Zig Zag Rd, KT20 7LB

What 3 Words - ///overnight.prompting.fired