Length: 19.2 km (11.9 mi) [shorter or longer walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: 270m
Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours
Toughness: 5 out of 10
09.51 East Grinstead train from Victoria (CJ 09.58, EC 10.10), arrives Oxted 10.31, or the 10.07 Uckfield train from London Bridge (EC 10.22), arrives Oxted 10.35.
Return trains: plenty.
Much of this walk is on the wooded Greensand Ridge running parallel to and just south of the North Downs. At various points in the walk there are views across the valley to these downs, contrasting with far-reaching views out to the High Weald from the southern escarpment.
The outward route is across the National Trust's
Limpsfield Common, the
High Chart (some of which is part of the
Titsey Estate) and
Squerryes Park. This brings you to
Westerham, described by Daniel Defoe as a “neat, handsome, well-built market town”. Memorials in the 14
thC
St Mary's Church and two statues on the Green honour its most famous residents,
General James Wolfe and
Sir Winston Churchill. Wolfe was born in the town and his childhood home, named
Quebec House after his famous victory in 1759, is owned by the National Trust. The house is open; admission (2018) is £5.60.
The afternoon route starts with an attractive section up the open Darent valley and climbs onto the wooded Crockhamhill Common, from where an optional extension loops out to Churchill's family home
Chartwell, also owned by the National Trust. The garden, restaurant and the house are open; admission is £14.40 or £7.20 for the garden only. The walk crosses over the outward route at Limpsfield Chart, continues through more parts of Limpsfield Common and returns to Oxted via the village of
Limpsfield, which has retained many of its historic buildings.
Walk Options: See the webpage or the pdf for details.
Lunch: There are three large pubs to choose from in Westerham, about 9 km into the main walk variations. For details and other options see the webpage or the pdf.
Tea: Towards the end of the walk there is The Bull in Limpsfield and many more possible tea places in Oxted itself. see the webpage or the pdf for details.
For
walk directions,
summary,
map,
height profile,
photos and
gpx/kml files click
here. T=swc.63