SWT Discovery Walk – Leith Hill’s history & wildlife

Fee: £25
Walk with us to explore the stunning sites and history of Leith Hill and Leith Hill Place with its unique trees and woodlands. We will be joined by George Chapman, a local estate manager with a passion for next-door nature.

Back on Track remains a proud Small Business Supporter for the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Every year we host hikes for the SWT that brings together our passion for nature and hiking.
This autumn our hike is co-hosted by George Chapman, a local Estate Manager of Tanhurst Vineyards located on the foot of Leith Hill. With his vast amount of local knowledge of Leith Hill and its stunning surroundings, he will accompany us on the walk to share his knowledge on history, occoupancy, residences, etc…and nature such as nesting areas, migrating birds etc

Starting and finishing at the stunning heart of the Tanhurst Estate with its Vineyard Cafe. This hike will then lead us to National Trust Woodlands, then to the historic Leith Hill Place and grounds before we climb up to Leith Hill and its famous tower. From there we can enjoy the views of the South Downs, several counties and find out more about the history of this place. Heading down to the valley and some lesser know path, we’ll make our way back to the Cafe at the Tanhurst estate, where you can enjoy a well earned drink or snack.

Simone regularly guides groups in the Surrey Hills and beyond. As a North Downs Way Ambassador she is passionate about the Surrey countryside and its vast network of hiking trails, its history of people and places, and the importance of changes and protection of our woodlands and habitats in today’s times.

Our Co-host George Chapman, a Chartered Surveyor, has managed land and properties in the Surrey Hills National Landscape (circa 200 properties and 6,500 acres) since 2010, and has a keen interest in woodland management and outdoor recreation. Now working for the family business of Tanhurst Estate on Leith Hill, he is involved primarily with the Vineyard and Winery and its cafe, along with several holiday lets, some of which we will be walking past. He is joining us to tell us all about the Vineyard, estate management and land ownership, and his knowledge of the surrounding area and its woodlands. He will point out any trees of particular interest.

Meet: 10am (cafe opens) , for a 10.15am start
Difficulty: Slow walk with several stops, but with one steep incline
Duration: 2h allow extra time for coffee/refreshments afterwards
Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, money for cafe
Facilities: available at Tanhurst Estate Cafe and Leith Hill Place
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are very welcome (On short leads when required) (please bring poo bags)
Guides: Simone Dill and George Chapman

Parking: Meet at Tanhurst Estate Vineyard and Café, Birketts Farm, Tanhurst Lane, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking RH5 6LZ
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Fee: £25 (all proceeds go to the SWT)

Further event details and how to prepare for the walk:
Please ensure you bring water and snack for the walk. Please wear sturdy shoes; bring waterproofs if necessary. The distance and duration of the walk depends on the group’s pace and weather conditions. We aim for a medium walking pace with several stops, unless advertised in the event description.
For further details on how to prepare please read our Hiking Guide

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Back on Track is committed to making the outdoors enjoyable and accessible for everyone. If this walk is too challenging for you, why not try one of our well-being walks. These are gently-paced walks for beginners or less confident walkers who want to build walking fitness. Equally, if you would like a hiking challenge, look up one of our Surrey 3 Peaks or day challenges on our events page.