Surrey 3 Peaks
Leith Hill _ peak number 2 and the highest in Southeast Engalnd
Mountains in Mind had the pleasure of being part of the support team on Advocate Events’, Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge on Saturday in the Surrey Hills, Area of Outstanding National Beauty in the North Downs. I was a walking leader with the Gold group whilst Darren was on safety duties and a roving leader, meeting walkers at various point along the way.
The route started off from Holmbury Village Hall with a gradual ascent to the summit of Holmbury Hill then followed the Greensand Way to the top of Leith Hill, the highest point in the County of Surrey.
A superb gothic tower stands majestically on the summit built by the local squire in the 18th century to raise the height of the hill to over a 1000ft! Whilst enjoying the views of the surrounding plains, if the weather is clear you can admire the London skyline in the distance even picking out Wembley Stadium! We took advantage of the refreshment kiosk in the tower, I had a cup of tea, whilst others enjoyed a slice of cake before we continued on our journey. This was the end for the Twin Peaks walkers who then made their way back to Holmbury.
The Gold and Platinum walkers continued and followed the path which gradually descended through a fantastic ancient woodland with old coppiced trees and huge gnarly standards intermingling. A remnant of the traditional managed woodlands from a time gone by. Occasionally spotting the vibrant orange but poisonous berries of the Lords and Ladies plant, which added contrast to the otherwise green foliage on the woodland floor.
Lords and Ladies on the Surrey 3 Peaks
We continued on our journey through lovely picturesque villages before taking a quick rest stop on the green at Westcott. From here we picked up the North Downs Way through Denbies Vineyard, the largest vineyard in the UK.
As we walked along the road, much of the day had been spent underneath the canopy of the trees but here we came out into the sunshine and onto fabulous calcareous downland with a vibrant display of wildflowers. We took in the views looking over the vineyard towards Dorking and it was at this point I started to day-dream about a chilled glass of white wine! We heard the sound of a car and stepped to one side to let it pass, alas it was a road-train pulled by a Land Rover undertaking tours of the winery, whilst the passengers on board sampled the delights of what the vineyard had to offer.
Surrey 3 Peaks
After what seemed like a long descent through the trees, we crossed the busy A-road then walked through the car park and arrived at the stepping stones across the River Mole. From here, we climbed the 200+ steps to reach the top of Box Hill and arrive at Soloman’s Memorial, where we were rewarded with outstanding views across the plains below. The hill is a honey-pot for picnic-ers, walkers and cyclists, with the zig-zag road providing easy access to the summit by car and a challenge for cyclists wanting to replicate part of the route used in the Olympic Games.
Surrey 3 Peaks – all for Charity
At the summit of Box Hill, I took a few photos for the ladies I’d walked with and congratulated them on their achievement and provided them with their gold sticker to mark their accomplishment of walking 13 miles. Transport was provided (if required) back to the start, however, the Platinum group on the other hand, had the chance to have a coffee and cake at the visitor centre before they turned around to reverse their route back to Holmbury to complete 26 miles.
Box Hill – Peak number 3
I waited for a lift with a few of the other Gold group back to Holmbury Village Hall with Darren in the minibus, where once there, I had a quick change of clothes and a bite to eat before we jumped back into the bus to provide road support for the Platinum walkers on their return.
We headed back to Westcott and then on to Leith Hill, where I waited in the minibus to provide water for the walkers if they needed topping up. Darren walked to the top to await the returning Platinum walkers. After a short while, a large group went past supported by Daz and then a little later, Martyn came running past with one of the walkers, who had now decided she wanted to run back, so Martyn was accompanying her to show her the way. Finally, Darren arrived back accompanying the final walker. As he didn’t know the route back, within a few seconds, I had grabbed a bag and some water, and was unexpectedly back on the route, walking the last few miles back to Holmbury Village Hall. We arrived back at the Village Hall to a celebratory applause from the support team.
Raising much needed money for Charity
What a great day. The weather stayed warm and sunny so was a big bonus. We’d like to say a big well done to everyone for completing the challenge and for raising lots of much needed funds for the charities that were supported today.
Afterwards, the team all headed down to the pub in the village. Me for that much dreamt after glass of chilled white wine from earlier whilst the rest of the guys tucked into Monster Munch!
