Out and about on the North Downs
A leisurely walk (countryside) starting and finishing in Surrey, England, about 8.60km (5.34 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 2:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
99m (324ft)
Descent
95m (311ft)
Max. Elevation
240m (787ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
194m (635ft)
Start
Betchworth
End
Merstham
Distance
8.60km
(5.34mi)
(5.34mi)
Duration
~2:45h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
Londoners, don't despair! It's amazing how quickly you can leave the city and walk in some of the finest countryside in south England. Parts of this walk are just a few metres from the M25, but the views south across Surrey and across to the South Downs will make you forget the noise, busyness and stresses of urban life.
Much of the North Downs are near to railway stations, so it's easy to extend this walk at either end for a longer day out. This section is particularly pleasant, though.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Dorking to Reigate via Box Hill
A moderate, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Surrey, England, about 12.20km (7.58 mi) long, duration: ~4:00h.Around Reigate
A moderate, circular walk (countryside) starting in Surrey, England, about 10.60km (6.59 mi) long, duration: ~3:30h.Reigate Station to Merstham Station
A leisurely, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Surrey, England, about 6.60km (4.10 mi) long, duration: ~2:15h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid TQ211514
Start at Betchworth station, less than 45 minutes by train from central London. From the station, walk along the B2032 and Pilgrim's Way heading east. Just before Dawcombe Wood, the path leaves the road (thankfully!) and heads along the foot of the North Downs.
OS Grid TQ230524
At Mount Hill, take the footpath heading up to the top of the ridge. Follow this on to Colley Hill. Fantastic views over Reigate and beyond from this National Trust owned beautyspot.
About 2.19 km (~1.36 miles) from 
OS Grid TQ264524
Continue heading east along the Pilgrim's Way, over Reigate Hill and on to Gatton Park. This patch of woodland is particularly fine in spring time when the bluebells are out. Continue on to Gatton.
About 3.39 km (~2.11 miles) from 
Merstham StationOS Grid TQ291535
Just outside Merstham, a footpath leads off from the Pilgrim's Way and to the station. There are also buses from Merstham.
About 2.91 km (~1.81 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Timwoods
Anyone leaving in south London really should head out to the North Downs - not many capital cities have such wonderful countryside so near!