Reigate Hill from the train station
The vigorous climb up the chalk escarpment is rewarded with simply stunning views. You are on top of the world! From the top clamber down the hillside through the woods for a gentle stroll back along the bottom of the Downs, learning something of Reigate's mining history. The way is well marked and uses parts of three trails - the North Downs Way, the North Downs Ridge walk and the Reigate Millenium trail.
Not recommended for young children. This walk has a steep ascent and descent on precipitous hillsides. Wear grippy foootwear
Map
Start:
Reigate Station, Holmesdale Road, Reigate, RH2 OBD. Grid reference TQ254507
1
Come out of Reigate Station by the ticket office on the north side of the tracks. Turn left and walk to the T-junction with the main road. Turn right and walk over the road crossing to the Co-op. Turn right and then left down Somers Road. Walk past Micklefield School and then turn right along St Albans Road. At the crossroads turn right again along Brokes Road. Go through the gate and turn left up Beech Road. Take the second turning on the left into Underhill Park Road.
2
At the T junction take the footpath ahead of you which goes up the hill. This parallels the old road used by the miners of Reigate stone before the new road was laid. See the sunken road to your right in the undergrowth. As you climb take a breather at the bench on your left hand side near to the Simpson memorial and enjoy the great views over the surrounding countryside.
The Simpson memorial
The Simpson Memorial on Colley Hill is dedicated to Captain George Simpson, of 5th Battalion, Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment, who died in 1909, aged 26, after a short illness. This area of the hill (about three acres) was donated to the Corporation of Reigate by his mother.
3
From the bench, carry on up the path, which bends round to the right and there are some iron railings to the left, marking the edge of the quarry. You’ll reach a gate. Through the gate, climb up the steps immediately to your right, which lead up the Inglis memorial. This is an excellent spot to catch your breath and maybe have a picnic before continuing your walk. Most of the hard work has been done now!
Inglis memorial
The Inglis Memorial was donated to the Borough of Reigate in 1909, by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Robert William Inglis VC. It was built as a drinking fountain for horses on the original main route over Reigate Hill. Stop to look at the viewpoint indicator - what can you see?
4
When you’re ready, walk away from the Inglis Memorial along the top of the hill, keeping the trees and copses to your right. Cross the shallow pit in the grass resembling a bomb crater, and you’ll see a stile in the corner of the field, entering a wood.
The Water Tower
The Water Tower is a landmark that can be seen from miles around. It was erected in 1911 by the Sutton District Water company to in order to meet the demands of area which was expanding.
5
Climb over the stile and follow the narrow track. The hillside here is steep so take care. Follow the path forwards and then as it bends to the left you begin to descend with some steps on the way. You will come out at a T junction on a wider chalky path, turn left and continue to walk downhill.
Hollow ways
Hollow ways (also known as sunken roads) are ancient paths which have been carved out of soft stone by people, horses, sheep, carts, and these days bikes, using the track over the centuries. Just imagine that!
6
You’ll reach a crossroads, marked by a fingerpost. Turn left here and follow the path now fairly flat, along the bottom of the Downs through yew woodland. Ignore footpaths to your right and left. You’ll come to a yellow way marker post for the North Downs Ridge walk. Follow the arrow and go down the steps. You’ll see how the chalk and stone have been carved out in mining activity, now overgrown with beech trees. Continue along the path, following the yellow marker posts.
7
You’ll come to a crossroads of paths, with a huge pit cut out on your right hand side. This is the Reigate hearth stone mine and there’s an information board. There used to be an entrance here to one of the many mines in Reigate Hill. The mines were dug to extract hearthstone. This was processed outside the mine entrance into small blocks, similar in size to a bar of soap. The stone was used to whiten the front door steps of people's homes. Take the narrow path down the hill to your right.
8
100 yards further you’ll come to a Y junction. Take the path to your left through the gate and you will come out into a meadow at the bottom of Reigate Hill and quarry. Follow the path across the meadow to a gate in the right hand corner. Ignore the track to your right, bear left, walk up the bank and turn right along the track.
9
You’ll come out onto a surfaced roadway and turn right down Pilgrims Way through the barrier with the blue Millennial Trail waymarker. Walk down Pilgrims Way until you reach a crossroads and turn left along Somers Road to the end. Turn right by the Co-op , cross the main road and walk up Homesdale Road to the train station on your right hand side. Congratulations.
Reigate Millenium trail
The Millenium trail was established by Reigate and Banstead Borough council to celebrate the year 2000. The full trail is 18 miles but is split into North and South sections to walk all the way around the borough.
End:
Reigate Station, Holmesdale Road, Reigate, RH2 OBD. Grid reference TQ254507