The Devils Punch Bowl and Hindhead Common, 15km

Immerse yourself in nature at Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area has many trails and comprises shady woods and open heathland with grazing cattle and wild ponies; it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes, lived in Hindhead from 1897 to 1907; it is said that he used Hindhead as the inspiration for his novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.

The huge natural basin that is the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a true wildnerness. Legend has it that the Devil would jump from hill to hill at the Devil’s Jumps, three small hills near Churt, and angered Thor, the God of Thunder, who lived nearby – they got in a fight and one of them scooped up a handful of earth and flung it at the other, leaving the great depression that we see today (there appears to be conflicting reports online in relation to who threw the earth – I’ve seen it written both ways!). In any case, the reality is that springs caused erosion backwards into the soft sandstones, creating the bowl-like shape.

We will summit Gibbet Hill, which is the second highest point in Surrey, offering stunning panoramic views. Discover the Celtic Cross here, erected to raise local spirits and banish fears and superstitions around Gibbet hill. The Cross is now a Grade II listed monument. The café at Devil’s Punch Bowl is where we will take a short break.

Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP

Start time: 10:00am

Start location: Haslemere station, GU27 2PE (my mobile: 07951673142)

End location: Haslemere station

Length: 15km

Ascent: 395m

Time: approx 6 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.

Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. You need to be reasonably fit; there are some hills and a moderate level of ascent.

Transport (train): The 9:00am direct train from London Waterloo reaches Haslemere station at 9:53am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.