🥾Hiking Girlies: Box Hill

🥾 BOX HILL GIRLS HIKE 🤍

[11 of us in the girls group chat are already going!]

We’re heading back to Box Hill for another girls’ hike, one year later! 💗
I’m going to make this post quite detailed, as I know there are lots of girls in this group who might be joining us for the first time! I want to make sure everyone knows exactly what to expect, how to get there and what to bring, so hopefully this answers most of your questions beforehand ✨

📍 Meeting point: Box Hill & Westhumble Station, outside the entrance
Trains arrive at 12:37pm, I’ll be at the station waiting for ya 🫶

Getting there:
🚆 By train there are two suggested routes from London, both arriving at 12:37pm
Option 1: From London Victoria
•⁠ ⁠11:41am - Depart London Victoria
•⁠ ⁠12:37pm - Arrive at Box Hill & Westhumble
•⁠ ⁠Direct train, no changes!

This train also stops at Clapham Junction, Balham, Mitcham Eastfields, Sutton, Epsom, Ashtead and Leatherhead, amongst other stations, so you can jump on at whichever stop works best for you!

Option 2: From London Waterloo
•⁠ ⁠11:30am - Depart London Waterloo
•⁠ ⁠11:38am - Arrive at Clapham Junction
•⁠ ⁠11:48am - Change onto the Southern train towards Horsham
•⁠ ⁠12:37pm - Arrive at Box Hill & Westhumble

You’ll be joining the same train as the Victoria girls at Clapham Junction 👯‍♀️
Please book your own tickets and use this group chat to coordinate travelling with the other gals. I’d encourage you to travel together where possible 💃

🚗 Girls, if you’re driving, I’d aim to arrive for around 1:10pm, and we’ll meet by Box Hill Café at 1:15pm! 🤍

There’s a National Trust car park right by the café. Parking is free for National Trust members, otherwise it’s £9 for the day

🥾 The hike:
It’s about 14km/ 8.7 miles including the walk from the station
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/box-hill/the-box-hill-hike
The hike will take approximately 4 hours, including a quick few breaks along the way

Box Hill circular is absolutely beautiful, but it’s also quite a challenging hike in the best way! There are multiple climbs and descents, some of which are significantly steep, with plenty of steps and uneven terrain. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve had a workout by the end!

Please don’t let that put you off ✨

One thing I really want to emphasise is that there is absolutely no such thing as being too slow for our hikes!

We’ll naturally split into smaller groups depending on everyone’s walking pace. Last time, we had girls at the front who barely stopped walking, whilst other groups took a break after every major climb to catch their breath, and have some water/food x

Everyone has different fitness levels, stamina and preferences, and that’s completely fine! Whether you’re someone who can power up a hill without stopping or someone who needs a few minutes to recover after each climb, there will be other girls walking at a similar pace to you 😍

No girl is ever, ever left behind or left walking alone (unless you’re enjoying a little quiet time by choice!). We’ll look out for one another, stick together in our smaller groups and make sure everyone feels comfortable

So please, if the only thing putting you off is worrying that you won’t be able to keep up, don’t let that stop you from coming! We’re here to enjoy the outdoors and make friends along the way. 💛

🎒 What to wear and bring:
Please come prepared, especially as the ground can get very muddy at this time of year!
•⁠ ⁠Walking shoes, trainers or boots with good grip are essential. Please wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy or dirty.
•⁠ ⁠Avoid wearing jeans! I’d recommend leggings, gym clothes, activewear or hiking gear. Something comfortable that allows you to move freely.
•⁠ ⁠Bring a spare pair of socks. You’ll thank yourself if your feet get wet!
•⁠ ⁠Consider bringing a spare pair of shoes for the train journey home, particularly if your walking shoes get very muddy.
•⁠ ⁠Wear warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket. The weather can change throughout the afternoon.
•⁠ ⁠Bring plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch. We’ll take breaks or eat along the way, so definitely bring something.
•⁠ ⁠Walking poles are optional, but can be helpful for the steeper climbs and descents.

🌧️ The weather:
The hike will go ahead whatever the weather, including a bit rain, so please dress appropriately! If conditions become unsafe due to severe weather we’ reassess x

🤍 The vibes:
As always, these hikes are about so much more than just walking!
It’s an opportunity to get outside, meet other women, have lovely conversations and build friendships whilst doing something active together.
Please don’t worry if you’re coming alone - I think all of us will be. That’s exactly what this community is for 👯‍♀️

Come ready to meet lovely gals and ready for a bit of an adventure. And if you fancy a little quiet time with your earphones at any point, that’s absolutely fine too!