HIKE 18km Hidden Surrey Hills - Canals, Woods, Sandy Trails, Medieval Churches

📏 Key Info:
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 370m
Hiking time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] 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: Waterloo station. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock
Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:45am for the 9:00am train
Return: 5:27pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
Explore the Surrey Hills AONB, one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
Admire far-reaching views from St Martha’s Hill and its 12th-century church
Visit Guildford, Surrey’s most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots
Follow the tranquil River Wey, with its boathouses and willow trees
Discover the ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, painted by Turner in 1807–08
Hike part of the North Downs Way, a classic long-distance National Trail
Explore the atmospheric remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, founded in 1626
See Guildford Castle, built nearly 1,000 years ago

🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins in the historic town of Guildford, a place of cobbled streets, a Norman castle and a history stretching back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries it has attracted many famous residents, including Lewis Carroll, Alan Turing, Terry Jones, Yvonne Arnaud and supermodel Jodie Kidd. The artist William Turner painted the nearby ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel in 1807–08, works that now hang in the Tate Gallery.

We start by following the River Wey, a peaceful canal lined with boathouses and willow trees, leading us to the evocative ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, a 14th-century site perched above the river. From here, our trail rises into the Bluebell Woods before joining the ancient North Downs Way, a ridge path that rewards us with sweeping views across Surrey and, on a clear day, as far as the sea.

At the top of the ridge we reach the remote and atmospheric St Martha’s Church, built in the 12th century and still standing alone on the hilltop. The views here are among the finest in the region, stretching across seven counties and down to the distant South Downs.

From the ridge, we descend towards Chilworth, once home to an extensive gunpowder factory built by the East India Company in 1626. Though production ended in 1920, the enchanting 27-acre site is now a mix of woodland and evocative ruins, including relics, tramways and industrial buildings from its nearly 400-year history. We finish our hike back in Guildford, passing the town’s Norman castle before returning to London.

🧭 Guide:
Leader: GRAHAM
Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
Bring a packed lunch
Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒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? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
FAQs (covers common queries)

📲 Stay Connected
Instagram 📸
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group

📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2027 E & OE