GO London hiking.

GRADE: Intermediate; 17km / 11 miles and hilly – 440m / 1450 feet of ascent

This scenic circular route takes us through miles of peaceful, hilly countryside lying within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and high on the North Downs, mostly within the civil parish of Woldingham and with a short incursion into the neighbouring Chelsham and Farleigh, in the beautiful county of Surrey.

ROUTE:
From Woldingham Station, the path takes us south, gradually ascending as we cross fields and woodland until we reach the North Downs Way, a long-distance National Trail spanning over 153 miles / 246km from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. From here, the route takes us downhill and eastwards, providing sweeping views over the countryside intersected by the M25 and the pretty town of Oxted lying at the foot of the North Downs ridge.

We soon leave the North Downs Way behind to begin the second ascent, following another long-distance route, the Vanguard Way, which connects East Croydon in Outer London with Newhaven on the south coast over 112km, or 66 miles, of its route. The Vanguard Way takes us north and then north-west, and also up and down some more blood-pumping , appetite-whetting hills.

After about 11 kilometres, we arrive at a countryside pub in Chelsham where we stop for our well-deserved lunch and rest.

Refreshed and filled with new energy, we then follow bridleways that take us past the Halliloo Plantation, a fairy-tale-like landscape of hard to match beauty. The hike ends at Woldingham Station.

COST: £10 organiser fee paid on RSVP

MEETING POINT and TIME: Woldingham Station, 09:56am

HIKE STARTS: 10:00am from Woldingham Station

TRAINS: 09:20am from London Victoria arriving at Woldingham at 09:56am, journey time 36 minutes. You can also join this train at Clapham Junction at 09:27 or East Croydon at 09:40am.
Return ticket from London Victoria to Woldingham is £13.70, or £9.10 with Network Railcard (£30 a year, 1/3 off most rail fares for you and additional 3 adults or 4 kids) or with Group Saver (3 – 9 people travelling together)

RETURN: on Saturday 26 April, Trains to London Victoria leave Woldingham at 29 and 59 minutes past the hour and take 33 minutes.

LUNCH: Packed lunch, picnic – please bring your lunch, a few snacks and around 2l of water/tea (for the hike and your return journey).

HIKE FINISHES: approximately 16:00 at Woldingham Station. Finish times depend on pace of the group on the day, which is influenced by a number of variable factors. This is a rough estimate, not a guarantee. Consider yourself committed for the day.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend adventure in the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, the largest and most spectacular park in Wales! Eryri (Snowdonia) offers a stunning variety of natural beauty, from rugged mountains and serene lakes to rushing rivers and charming villages like Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert. This stunning park is crowned by Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales and England, standing proudly at 1,085 meters
Our base for the weekend will be in the village of Llanberis, just a five-minute stroll from the vibrant town center, where you'll find a range of pubs, shops, and eateries. It’s the perfect spot to relax and prepare for our classic hiking adventures.
From Llanberis, you'll have easy access to a variety of scenic trails. Hike up Snowdon along the famous Llanberis Path for incredible panoramic views, or explore the lesser-known but equally stunning Moel Eilio ridge. The Glyders offer a more challenging adventure with rugged peaks, while a stroll around the picturesque Llyn Padarn provides a peaceful escape. With so many trails and breathtaking landscapes, there’s something for every type of adventurer to discover in Snowdonia!

COST: £100 deposit on RSVP balance £200 due March 15th 2025
To GO Venture LTD Sort code 04-00-03 Account number 59563977
Total £300
Please email a screenshot when paid to golondongary@hotmail.co.uk

INCLUDES: 3 nights dormitory accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 2 pack lunches, BBQ evening. 2 guided hikes, transport.

NOT INCLUDED: 1 evening meals, there are plenty of options nearby, snacks, alcoholic drinks

Friday: 14:00 Meeting St Albans City Railway Station St Albans AL1 5HE Outside the main entrance. 20 mins by train from St Pancras. Continue to Llanberis. Approx 6 hrs Arrive approx 19:30

Saturday/Sunday Hiking, there is a huge variety of hikes in the area, including the ascent of Snowdon, we will pick hikes according to the weather, and group ability, there will be two hike leaders so plenty of options.

Monday: 10:00 depart hostel 11:00 Free morning in Betws y Coed 13:00 depart for St Albans, approx return to St Albans 19:30