HIKE 26km Leith Hill Gothic Tower, Ancient Woodlands and Panoramic Views

🔥 **This is our final chance to enjoy this spectacular summer hike in 2026. Once this date has gone, the route won't return until 2027.** 📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 16 miles (26km) • Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 530m • Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:05am, leave 8:25am for the 8:41am train • Return: 7:15pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Explore the **Surrey Hills AONB**, England’s most wooded county • Conquer **Leith Hill** (314m) — the highest point in South East England • Visit **Leith Hill Tower**, an 18th-century Gothic folly with breathtaking panoramic views • See **Tilling Springs**, the source of the River Tillingbourne • Walk through **Denbies Wine Estate**, England’s largest vineyard 🥾 **Hike Description** Our journey begins in the market town of **Dorking**, following sandy trails and ancient woodlands onto the **Greensand Ridge**. From here we ascend to **Leith Hill**, crowned by its striking 18th-century Gothic tower. At 314m, this is the highest point in South East England, and for nearly 200 years it has been a celebrated picnic spot. We pause here for lunch, with the option, subject to opening and a small admission charge, to climb the tower's 78 spiral steps for panoramic views stretching from London to the English Channel. From the summit, the trail leads us into deep woodland to reach **Tilling Springs**, the source of the River Tillingbourne, whose waters once powered mills across Surrey villages. We then ascend to the **North Downs Way**, one of England’s great National Trails, where frequent viewpoints reveal wide vistas across the valleys and back towards Dorking. Continuing through wooded ridges, we arrive at **Ranmore Common**, a plateau dotted with sweeping meadows and the beautiful **St Barnabas Church**, built in 1860. The route offers a mix of quiet forest paths, open landscapes and far-reaching views that show off Surrey at its very best. Our finale is a walk through the rolling slopes of **Denbies Wine Estate**, the largest vineyard in England. In summer you can see the vines heavy with grapes, while year-round the estate provides a spectacular backdrop with views towards **Box Hill**, completing a hike that blends natural beauty, history and English charm. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [GRAHAM](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch 🎒**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?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [P