14/07/18 - London Countryway Stage 6 - Merstham to Box Hill

Distance - 10 Miles
Start - Merstham
Finish - Box Hill
Geocaches - 2
Pubs - Stepping Stones at Box Hill
Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5


Stage 6 of the London Countryway and I finally determine where the guide book's cover photo is taken from.

Colley Hill

This leg promised a lot and duly delivered.  The entire 10 miles is along the North Downs Way, accessed almost immediately from Merstham railway station.

A gentle climb through sports fields, a golf course and across school grounds.

First views from the golf course

Plenty of interest here too, with information boards spelling out the history of Reigate Fort.  Even a gap in the trees has a story to tell.  There are two monuments, that sadly could not be taken in the same photo, but the gap in the trees is explained as a WW2 Air crash site.  The monuments mark the extremes of the wing tips and are part made from metal from the B17 Bomber.

One Half of the Monument

Much needed shade is provided by the tunnel like paths before we reach Colley Hill, where the North Downs reveal themselves in the their splendour.  I recognise the monument from the book cover but get that involved in taking photos that I neglect to look up at the art work in the ceiling.  Check out Des De Moor's excellent commentary for details.

With this beauty, I unsurprisingly failed to look at the monument ceiling

Look up Mappiman, you goon

The Path Ahead

The last photo represents what fine walking remains for the day.... dropping to the valley floor on steep paths and working my way around the quarry and lime works to Box Hill.  There's only one question - where to sit for lunch?   A number of benches are either occupied or out in the midday sun, but I do find shelter in the trees just off the path.

Seat for Lunch

In case you think I am being disrespectful, I do check the inscription.  I'm working on the assumption that "Quick, An English Thoroughbred" is a dog.

Leith Hill is the last to be conquered.   A picnic spot that is hard to surpass, judging by the hoardes taking advantage of the weather and the far ranging views.

Dropping down from Leith Hill

Rather glad that I am coming down this way, as the way up is beyond steep.  I half feel sorry for the cub pack coming up the other way, carrying kit for an overnight expedition.  It doesn't stop my exaggerated answers to their desperate questions of "how much further do we have to climb".

Westhumble and Box Hill Station, with its once hourly trains back to the smoke, awaits at the bottom of the hill but first a choice on which path to take.

Surely no-one takes the Footbridge

Not me, anyway

A Country Pub is just before the station.  Four real ales were available but sometimes, reassuringly expensive continental lager is all that is going to do the trick.  Even if it is brewed in Northhampton.

Over Stepping Stones - to the Stepping Stones

£5.20 worth of Midlands lovliness