The escarpment, incorporating Reigate Hill and Gatton Park, is a splendid area for walkers. Its views are breathtaking, taking in the Weald and the South Downs. If you look up the escarpment from the A25, you can still clearly see the former stone quarries. Reigate stone was quarried here along with chalk, which was used in many local buildings. Greensand was also quarried for hearthstones and firestone.

Reigate Fort on the Reigate Hill was one of 13 mobilisation centres built in the 1890s to protect London from invasion, although none of them ever saw action.

The 60 hectares (149 acres) of Reigate Hill have been bought by the Trust in pockets from 1912 onwards, mainly with money raised locally and bequests from individuals. Gatton Park was acquired through two bequests; from Sir Jeremiah Coleman (1952) and Mr A G Dibble (1955).

Facilities

• Refreshment kiosk and lavatories (not National Trust) in Wray Lane car park.